Journey Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 05/28/2014 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Germany - Contemporary German Culture and Politics
This trip was worthwhile and I gained more knowledge about german culture and the history of the DDR and what it was like growing up in east germany.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience of this study abroad trip was great because you got a first-hand account about German culture and politics that you wouldn't be able to get in the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professors were very helpful to us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Housing in the hotel was reasonable for the prices that we paid. They were all in close proximity to the train station,which made it easier to travel around the city to other places. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, it just took a few days to get accustomed to German food because they eat a lot of meat and bread. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated enough to say hello to some passing pedestrians and travel around the country like a regular citizen. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The university provided us with health insurance which was a plus to have overseas. |
| * Safety: |
The safety of the host country was okay, it just like any typical city in the U.S. Police were visible during the daytime. i would say just use your best judgment when traveling and always travel in pairs or groups. |
| 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) |
It was not extremely hard to live on a student's budget, I just had to make sure that I counted my money and wasn't spending it on pleasure things. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $490 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to just budget your money well and to not spend your money on always eating out but go to the grocery store or market and get a few items to make lunch so that you can cut down your costs on buying food and drinks during the day time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
3-My German professor encouraged me to talk in German with other students and patrons. Also, i would have to order my food in German. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate German 232 |
| 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? | I would suggest to always speak the language and do not hesitate to practice with native speakers. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That you should make sure that you have a good pair of walking shoes because you will be walking a lot. |
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.' |
