Berlin: The Best Time of My Life Past Review
By Meredith L (International Relations and Affairs., Rollins College) for
Nazareth College: Berlin - Nazareth-in-Berlin
I would do it again in a heartbeat. This experience has made me want to return to Berlin, and also travel the world!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My time in Berlin was the best time of my life. The program was fantastic. It combined an incredible academic and learning experience with cultural immersion. I loved Berlin and my host family. While this program satisfied the needs of my home institution for credit, it was geared toward American students with no German experience. As a student who has studied the language for over five years, I didn't leave the the fluency I had hoped for because I was with my American friends. However, their progression (as beginners) was phenomenal. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
One of the main reasons I applied to this program was because students were able to live with host families. My experience was incredible and I am still in contact with my German family. The program does a wonderful job of seeking out good matches for students. |
| * Food: |
There is nothing more delicious and hearty than a home-cooked German meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Berlin is an amazing city. There is always something going on, whether be "Lange Nacht der Museen," a night in which all Berlin museums are open until 2 or 3 in the morning for only 10 Euros or concerts. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-40 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | -- |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | GMN 498 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most of the people in my program spoke English, which made it difficult to practice. However, there was a great balance between having the comfort of English, but also practicing German in the language course, as well as with a host family. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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