Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Germany: A Trip to Remember for a Lifetime Past Review

By (Astrophysics, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for

Penn State Altoona: Traveling - Motor Heads in Germany

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My cultural awareness was raised greatly because of travelling to a new culture. Now, I am thinking of participating in other study abroad programs if the opportunity presents itself again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

The program was very accomodating to my vegetarianism.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Group dinners were very memorable, as were the tours of cities and the visits of other landmarks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I would suggest to future students that they take care to avoid pickpocketing and other common thefts by concealing wallets and not carrying too much money at once.

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)

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? I would recommend not spending too much money at the beginning of the trip to make sure you have enough to last. I also recommend not spending too much money on food or drinks, beyond what is necessary.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone. You didn't need to be an engineer to benefit from the trip.