A time of growth and pain and isolation and confidence in myself. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was thoroughly disappointed with the academics through Johannes Gutenberg. I was challenged linguistically, which was great to have, but not challenged with the material, especially lab and research type skills, in a way that would prepare me for graduate school. Also just the fact that classes met once a week and didn't gave constant classwork, and people just didn't regularly show up, was disappointing. But, I loved my Middlebury german writing course. The one-on-one aspect was really special and helped me grow so much.

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely the most amazingly supportive people I have met. Heike is someone I will never forget and she helped support me through a home tragedy that occurred while I was abroad. So understanding.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my housing arrangement. I think I had the best deal out of all of the students. I lived within 10 minutes walking distance of the campus and had a subway stop right outside my building that got me into the city within 10 minutes. I also was close to fields that were great for running. There was construction going on on the outside of my building for nearly the whole semester. This meant that my window was blocked with plastic for at least a few months and that was unfortunate. I understand that my rent was slightly cheaper though, so that was considerate. Sharing a kitchen and common area with 3 others was a wonderful experience and helped me to make some friends.

I had my own kitchen and cooked almost all of my own meals, which I loved. Suggestions on where to eat when I wanted to go out were provided my the middlebury administrative staff.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was quite hard to make close german friends, but I felt decently integrated through choir, ultimate frisbee, and rock climbing.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any health care issues. Was sick for a few weeks and felt support was there if I had needed any medication or anything.

I felt very safe in Mainz. Was able to go out late a night and use public transportation alone at early mornings.

I had a lot of personal hardship due to home reasons that made this experience difficult, but I can only recommend Mainz and the support of the faculty in place there. I wish that the academics had been better suited for science/were better in general, but as an overall experience of life, I would do it again.

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

I was getting money from a scholarship (~500 euros per month) and that completely covered my rent and some of my food costs. This helped considerably and meant that I was able to eat some nicer food and travel a bit more than otherwise. Food was cheap though and I didn't have to pay extra for public transportation in the surrounding areas of Mainz, which was super helpful.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The location. Mainz is amazing.
• Heike and the other Babel guides were wonderful sources of encouragement and support.
• Extracurriculars!! Loved being able to play frisbee and rock climb and sing in a choir!!

• support for getting an internship your first semester
• Ability to take science classes with labs and field trips (maybe at the Hochschule?)
• It would be so much more helpful to see the class listing earlier so that more time could be spent on choosing classes, because that has a huge impact on your experience and it was stressful to have to do it while also taking the advanced writing course.

The Avid Adventurer