Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go to Germany and become fluent in Portuguese! Past Review

By (German, Berea College) - abroad from 05/05/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

Speak + Write Marburg: Intensive German in Marburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and being open-minded about the kinds of people you get to know while studying at an international location. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking your own meals and buying cheap transportation tickets are a good budget strategy.

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? 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? GER 330
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? Interacting with your classmates in class and in out of class activities is crucial for success on language learning.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Teacher's Methodology
  • Town's Atmosphere
  • Extracurricular programs
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure communication
  • Facilities
  • Attention to students' needs.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to better budget my money while in Germany and I wish I knew that most of the students I was going to study with were pretty much from the same country.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'