Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Lot to Explore in Deceptively Little Time January 31, 2024

By (German Language, Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 04/19/2022 to 01/31/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Besides improving my German language skills, I also learned how to organize my time academically and recreationally.

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.

* 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 loved the immersion aspect of the program as well as getting to know the city. There was always something going on, and there was never a dull moment when it came to meeting new people.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep an organized meal plan and set a specific day(s) for shopping.

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? 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? Put effort into speaking the language, from small interactions to larger conversations. It also helps to think and talk to oneself in the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Language immersion
  • Program field trips
  • Program educators
* What could be improved?
  • More information about clubs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little more about the way different types of classes are taught.

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:

Creative Cities
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Roman Sarcophagi
Course Department: Classics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Legend of Dr. Johann Faust
Course Department: German
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Culture and Composition
Course Department: German
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: