Unexpected Adventure Past Review
By A student (German Language, Literature, Wartburg College) - abroad from 03/03/2015 to 07/17/2015 with
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität / University of Bonn: Bonn - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to be more independent, and to think even more creatively about how to solve problems, travel, cook. spend free time, and interact with people. I also learned new perspectives, and grew as a person. It was a worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As the course requirements were to complete an exam at the end of the term, during the semester there was little to do. However the information level, and the exams at the end were of an appropriate level of difficulty. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall very good, however the various trips and events could have been slightly more efficient and punctual. The program relating to the academic endeavors was of high quality. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
They were sufficient overall, and the kitchen and restrooms were very nice. However, the dorm room itself was incredibly dusty at the beginning. It may have been nice to have been living in an environment more conducive to community-building, however I know that that is not always possible. |
| * Food: |
Somewhat irrelevant. I bought my own groceries and did my own cooking. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was difficult to connect with the locals, as the program for international students was mostly separate from the regular university students. There were also not very many or varied ways that I knew of to participate with locals in their culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
I already had the tendency to be very frugal, and so may have different spending habits than many other students. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is much cheaper to make your own food than to eat in restaurants. Travel with public transportation is only as expensive as you make it. (pay attention to what mode, how far, when, deals, and other ways to save.) Sharing food or travel expenses with others also tends to make things cheaper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 345 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to the natives! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How the scheduling process works, the general expectations of, and structure of the program, my living situation. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
