Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A taste of Germany August 14, 2023

By (International Relations, Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/27/2023 to 07/21/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got a better glimpse of German culture and the university system. I enjoyed taking the sport classes offered by the University. All in all it was 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 really enjoyed my classes! It was definitely a bog leap to do them all in German, but luckily my professors were understanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Heike and the Babbel Guides were very kind and always willing to help. They went above and beyond. I wish the first 2 weeks had been a bit different, since we had way too much free time right after arrival and nothing to do, which was not great for any of our mental health.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked my dorm -- it was in a great location, and it was quite nice. However, there was a huge discrepancy in room sizes (my room was less than half the size than other Middlebury students). Additionally, we all lived very far away from one another, which made it very difficult to see other Middlebury students and contributed to feelings of isolation

* Food:

Dining hall food was good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a hip injury that I was able to get a quick doctor's appointment for and then a prescription to physical therapy. It was easier than it would have been in the US

* Safety:

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

In general, I had a fairly good time and learned both about Germany and the German language. While not life changing, I mostly enjoyed the program.

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)

I mostly cooked for myself, so it was very doable, since food is relatively affordable in Germany. It would have gotten very pricey if I had one out to restaurants or to cafes every day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? depending on the week, likely 60-100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book travel plans in advance and do most of your own cooking.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 425
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to find some German/German-speaking friends! Additionally, get involved in extra-curricular

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • JGU Mainz -- I really liked the campus and everything it offered
  • Mainz (the city)
  • Heike and the Babble Guides
* What could be improved?
  • Wifi when arriving
  • Better support (especially upon arrival) and assistance in figuring out what there is to do in Mainz
  • Proximity to other Middlebury students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I was going to have to do on my own as well as what my workload would be.

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:

Einführung in die Ethnologie Globale Verflechtungen
Course Department: Ethnologie und Afrikastudien
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: I loved this course! It was a bit abstract and hard to follow at first, but eventually everything came together and made sense. The professor is also a phenomenal professor; he is very kind and understanding and always willing to help out. It is obvious that he is very interested in what he does, is extremely knowledgeable, and is genuinely there to help.
Credit Transfer Issues: No -- you just have to reach out to Middlebury and ask for credit