Marburg, Germany Opened My Eyes to a Whole New World Past Review
By Katie M (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
Philipps-Universität / University of Marburg: Marburg -International Undergraduate Study Program / IUSP
Yes, I learned so much about myself. I changed for the better. I am far more outgoing, and I always want to go on a new adventure now. I am so excited for my future becuase I know after stuyding abroad I can do anything.
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. |
The workload was average. The grading system fair. The teaching methods were good. The difference in education was I was forced to speak German while in classes at UWL I didn't learn as much German because I was not forced to speak it unless I wanted to answer a question. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a lot of fun, and I would never change anything! |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Never ever again will I live in Fuchspas. It was awful. I had an amazing Hausfrau, and some great neighbors, but I hated the bathroom situation. It just always felt dirty. The kitchen didn't have any pots or pans to cook, so I always had to cook at my friends dorms. |
* Food: |
Dine at the Mensa. It has everything for lunch, but go out for dinner or cook in your dorms. It is cheaper that way. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The IUSP program really did a great job in allowing us to learn the culutre. We did a lot of fun trips to Berlin, Weimar, and Nuremberg. We also had plenty of time to travel ourselves. I was able to visit: Mainz, Heidelberg, Munich, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris, Edinburgh, Dublin, Prague, Rome, Venice, and Florence. All amazing experiences. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
There were literally no police anywhere. It is the safest place you will ever live. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Language acquisition improvement? |
Well most people spoke English because that was the common language among all the international students. I did have to speak German in daily situations. For example, I used it at stores, bakeries, resturants, and train stations. I only practiced the language in class, but I did get a tandum partner, which really helped me become more fluent. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student that doesn't fear stepping outside of their comfort zone. They do help you a lot in the beginning of the experience, but they let you go, so you can experience it all for yourself. It also helps if you are optimistic :D |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
There's Magic in the Air |
Course Department: | English |
Instructor: | Imke Kimple |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | It was challenging because they expected a lot out of native English speakers. The teacher thought she knew everything, and your ideas weren't valid. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No not yet :D |