Exceeding All Expectations Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program, while intense and challenging, provided excellent resources that allowed for timely completion of assignments without becoming overwhelmed by stress.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of this program was phenomenal. The director was incredibly kind and approachable and the BabelGuides (writing helpers) were personable and helpful. I felt supported during the entire program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a suite with two single-rooms, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. It was about 20 minutes with the Straßenbahn (street train) from campus. Overall, I was satisfied with the arrangements.

I cooked for myself and went grocery shopping weekly. Although eating at the university's dining halls was an option, I chose not do so. I ate there once or twice, and the food was very good, but I found it more convenient and more cost-effective to cook for myself.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I joined the university's debate team to meet a diverse group of students at the university. I also joined a local sports team (unaffiliated with the university) and in this way was able to connect with the off-campus community as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Toward the end of the program, I unexpectedly needed an operation in the hospital. The director of the Middlebury program and the on-site staff were incredibly helpful and made sure that I had everything that I needed (both bureaucratically and emotionally). Having an operation thousands of miles away from home could have been a frightening experience, but the Middlebury School in Germany (both the on-site staff and the Vermont-based program coordinator) was incredibly supportive. I will forever be thankful for their support during that challenging time.

I never felt unsafe in the city nor on campus, even if I were out late at night.

I could not have imagined a better study-abroad semester than my semester with the Middlebury School in Germany. I highly, highly recommend this program.

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

Finding and purchasing food was easy and cheap. I spent about 10-15 Euro per week on groceries. As long as you plan and book in advance, the trains are also affordable. I was able to book most trains for 20-30 Euro for personal travel.

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

The Middlebury School in Germany has a Language Pledge, which means that participants are required to speak the foreign language during the entire program (with exceptions for family and emergencies).

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• Language Immersion/Language Pledge
• Ability to take courses directly at the university
• On-Site Program Staff

• My BabelGuide (writing helper) was located in Berlin rather than Mainz. It would have been nice if they had been in Mainz.