In learning about a new culture you learn about yourself Past Review

By Julie T (Speech Pathology, Illinois State University) for

Salzburg College: Semester Study Abroad in Austria

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes, definitely. Not only did I have the amazing opportunity to see a bit of Europe, experience the rich culture, and practice my German, I also learned a lot about my self. It was a marvelous time of reflection for me. I learned what my limits are, and I got close to my host family.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I felt that in some of the classes- like Music History- I had a disadvantage to the music majors in the class beacuse it was a repeat for them, even though it was not supposed to be a problem. I also had a lot of difficulties with Understanding Austria because the professor would grade using no rubric or fair form of grading (that we knew of), and our grade would really be a complete surprise!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Although I loved Phoebe, it was a huge disadvantage to not have an academic advirsor when I was planning out which classes to take. Sometimes there wouldn't be anyone available in the office all day.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	The food was good, I was just disappointed that Salzburg College did not have a cook although we were expecting it. I ended up having to use a bit of my own money to pay for lunch. It was an inconvenience. However, the meals with the host family were great.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Very safe.
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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	If Salzburg College still doesn't have a cook, do not eat out for lunch every day. The 5 euros they give you for lunch each day is hardly enough to eat lunch anywhere in the city, so save money by going to Billa.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
Language acquisition improvement?	My host family, my teachers, anyone on the street. Yes. Yes.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Do it!!!!! It is the opportunity of a lifetime. That being said, it will be harder than you expect. If you're up for the challenge, do it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Understanding Austria
Course Department:
Instructor:	Stan Nadel
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was the worst prepared class at the college. Students would have to remind the professor of assignments, and most of the time I don't think he had a clue as to what was coming next. I believe that my grade suffered as a result of his lack of preparation as a teacher. As a historian on Austrian history, he was great. He was very knowledgeable.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, I believe I got some credit for the course, and I was requred to take it. I would recommend it, in hopes that Mr. Nadel has gotten more familiar with the syllabus, and had more accountability as far as grading goes.

Course Name/Rating:	Intermediate German
Course Department:
Instructor:	Maria Czermak
Instruction Language:	German
Comments:	This is definitely an intermediate class. They are serious about that- the whole class is taught in German. I felt that the class was well planned out, with lots of opportunities to do well.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, I would suggest taking this class as long as you've taken about 4 years already.