Bonn was GREAT! Past Review
By Zach W (Politics and Government, Illinois State University) for
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität / University of Bonn: Bonn - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think I became more self-confident and more independent. I know I improved my German language skills and I learned a great deal about German history and culture.
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 |
Any difficulties I may have faced were usually caused by the language barrier or something I misunderstood and they were usually quickly resolved. The staff at the International Office were helpful and prompt without being overbearing. Overall, I have no complaints. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
There are a lot of dining options in Bonn and I never had a bad experience. There are also places to accommodate dietary restrictions. Reformhaus has numerous products for people with allergies or sensitivities (i.e. gluten) and they also carry all-natural products. There is also a vegetarian restaurant in Bonn. Bonn also has a large number of ethnic restaurants (all of which are amazing). Overall, there shouldn't be any problem finding great places to eat. In addition, there are a number of grocery stores (both large chain stores and smaller locally owned stores) and just about anything you need can be found there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Berlin, Heidelberg, Aachen, Trier, Kaffeestunden...There were a great deal of events arranged by the program. Most of them were great and were important when making friends in the new country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Bonn. |
| 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? | I spent about 5,000 dollars per semester on everything. I think that, as a proportion of my expenditures, food and travel got the most money. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I don't think I had this problem. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took, I think, two 200-level German classes before I left for Germany. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
There was a mix. Many people wanted to speak English to practice themselves or do save us the trouble of speaking German. In class, however, we spoke German entirely and used it more often than not in everyday interactions. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | I think a student who wants to learn and who is motivated will enjoy their time in Bonn. I also think a student who wants to have fun would enjoy a study abroad in Bonn. |
