Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Schön! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/27/2019 to 02/07/2020 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and navigate a place effectively entirely in a foreign language

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I had to cook the majority of meals by myself. There were some on campus dining options, but they were relatively expensive and not that great.

* 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

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)

Cheap groceries, easy and cheap public transportation

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, its the most cost-effective.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 level undergrad seminar
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? Middlebury Summer School. German Netflix, youtube, and music artists

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • City
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Dorm
* What could be improved?
  • Connecting with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? more recipes, german slang

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Sport Europeanisation Analysis
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The course was relatively easy. It centered around readings, in-class discussions, and presentations. The final grade was determined by class participation and the final essay.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Ideology and the Left/Right Dimension
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Times: Germany&Colonies
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The course was challenging as it was a masters level history seminar. It was majority discussion focused, with an in-class presentation plus final essay.
Credit Transfer Issues: no