Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Middlebury in Mainz Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/25/2018 to 07/31/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My German language and writing skills vastly improved and I learned much about German culture firsthand. It was indubitably worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I am very happy with the classes I took and the teachers I had and would gladly take them again. My professors were extremely helpful and made classes and office hours engaging and interesting. I highly recommend taking these courses with Mr. Jan Turinski, Mr. Zerhoch or Dr. Schnettger. They were very understanding of my status as an exchange student with 3rd year German skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a wonderful, engaging, educational, and fun experience. The Middlebury program was very helpful with all aspects of living and studying in Germany.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The only appliances in my kitchenette were a stovetop and a small refrigerator. This made it difficult to prepare meals at home, because I had previously used other appliances to cook.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German at the 300 level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not be afraid to use German, even if you are not completely confident in your language skills. German speakers are very understanding if you are not fluent, and conversational practice will vastly improve your language skills and confidence.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Guidance with the move to Germany (city tour)
  • Guidance with administrative tasks; they were extremely helpful with the administration for the University and German government
  • One-on-one guidance and help (Babelguide program and meeting with program director)
* What could be improved?
  • Move in and move out dates were rather unclear. It was mandatory to pay 6 months of rent but the program recommended that we leave 1 month before the lease ended.
  • Programming during the first week of general arrival would be informative and helpful.
  • Reviews of courses from past participants would be helpful during the course selection process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program is extremely helpful, and the experience of studying in a foreign language is not necessarily challenging and daunting - it can be informative and fun at the same time.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Early Modern History
Course Department: Early Modern History
Instructor: Matthias Schnettger
Instruction Language: German
Comments: This course covered a lot of ground but was very in-depth and informative. Professor Schnettger utilized computer programs to make audience participation possible, even though the class had many students. Powerpoints had accessible and relevant information which made the subject matter understandable. I submitted an essay for assessment, but most students completed an exam. My experience in this course was wonderful; it was informative and challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Jesus Christ Superstar Meets Madonna: Religion in Pop-Culture in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Course Department: Theater
Instructor: Dominic Zerhoch
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The teacher was very knowledgable and well-prepared. The course covered all aspects of religion in pop culture and made use of many different sources. Participation was accessible, and students were assessed by completing presentations and essays.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

The American Revolutionary War
Course Department: History
Instructor: Jan Turinski
Instruction Language: German
Comments: This was an informative, interesting, and engaging course. The teacher was very qualified and knowledgable. Coursework handled all aspects of the Revolutionary War, including its precursors and aftermath. The sources (primary and secondary) studied were comprehensive and came from an array of disciplines, including military history, women's history, and legal history. Students were assessed with essays. Participation was accessible to all students and the course atmosphere was very engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues: