Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

German, Grammar, and Gastronomy. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/07/2013 to 07/26/2013 with

Speak + Write Marburg: Intensive German in Marburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more than I could ever write. It was a new world, too many museums, too much seen, too much done. It was very worthwhile, I lived in Germany and I hope that one day I will be able to again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Marburg Speak and Write institute was amazing, but I wish that I had had more opportunities to meet with native German speaking students. Most of the people I met were other foreigners also learning German.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very nice but also pretty hands off. Just a few tea times chats.

* Food:

Amazing and not to hard to find new things. Drink were pretty expensive, but that's probably just a Europe thing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to have met more students, but I am thoroughly grateful for the opportunity to find a tandem partner and to also enjoy the different festivals that Marburg had to offer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This rating is made up, I did not use health care in Germany.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Marburg. The only slightly questionable part was arriving in Frankfurt, Germany. But that comes with any big city.

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 was pretty thrifty throughout most of my trip, which limited me to certain types of dinners most of the time, but it was made up for later.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $130-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for cheap places to eat on a semi regular basis, pick favorites of cheap spots so that you can afford to try nicer places every now and again. If you're in Marburg, look for the Schawarma, shop it's awesome.

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

A few of the other international students couldn't speak English, but it seems that most people there could speak English better than German so they would occasionally revert to that for easier communication. But I feel we did pretty well surviving on German. Also joining the Laufschule was a great idea and that is where I met most of the German speaking natives.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German Young Adult Literature.
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? Try to get involved with things outside of your classes. I found that very important and I learned tons of things from these people. I would also see if you can find a show that you have seen in English with a dub in the language that you are learning. I did that with one series and that was great for listening comprehension.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Classes
  • Immersion
  • Friend
* What could be improved?
  • Meeting Natives
  • Talking to someone who had done a similar program
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just a little run down on different things of the town I was staying in, or a better understanding of German public transport since I had never experienced anything like it before.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!