Reutlingen Study Abroad Experience Past Review
By Hayden O (Nursing., Valparaiso University) for
Reutlingen University: Reutlingen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This experience was invaluable. Speaking/hanging out with people of different cultures truly helped me become a more worldly person. I a much more understanding of different cultures and their perspective on our country. Valpo makes it easy for students to study abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
If we ever needed anything we always went to Melanie Mosher. She knew everything, and if she didn't know something she knew someone that could help. She knowledge was invaluable to the students in the program. Professor Szanislo was always rude and demeaning whenever we asked a question; we always went to Melanie with all of our questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Germany is the safest country in the world. |
| 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? | Budget. Budget! BUDGET!!! In total I spent around 3,500. I spent a little less than 20 euros a week on food and other expenses. This is excluding travel expenses. We tried to pack meals on trips and we tried not to eat out during the week. You can eat pretty cheaply in Europe if you are willing to cook and look for deals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Give so of your money to your parents to hold while you are out of the country. That way if unexpected expenses come up or if you run out of money, you will have reserves back in the states. This will help with budgeting! Plan only to spend the money you have in Europe and if something happens you will always have reserves. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German 204? |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone speaks at least a little English in Germany. Students always apologize for the "poor English," but their English is amazing! I wish I could have worked on my German a little more, but it is difficult when you travel every weekend. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep an open mind, stay positive, and budget! It is impossible to visit all the countries that you want. Plan to come back someday! |
