Past Review

By (Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for

Penn State Altoona: Traveling - Austria: Between East and West

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, very much so! the qualities that i have earned was the fact that i became more aware of different living styles.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I believe that this experience helped me out with multiple aspects. For example, it made me more culturally aware and helped me in the German Language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This program strength is very strong. The point that really stood out to me was the fact that it was very well organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hostel that we stayed in was very nice and we had our rooms (one for the guys, one for the girls). It was very clean and peaceful. The host host family that we stayed in were all part of our professor's family. they were all very nice and very reliable.

* Food:

The food was very clean and well prepared. There was no need to be hesitant to eat the food because it was very clean and also delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During our free time, we had a chance to meet natives and talk to them. They were all very friendly and helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This trip was very safe. there were no issues that we needed to be concerned about.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure that you bring a large enough back for everything that you buy, so that you can bring it all home.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 201
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Living with a family that spoke no English made me really use my German abilities and become better in this subject.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it! It will be one of the greatest trips of your life!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

International German

Course Department: German 099
Instructor: Dr. Lorensen
Instruction Language: German
Comments: This course is very interesting. You become more aware of different cultures and it really make you open your eyes to different styles of living.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.