An Experience of a Lifetime - Tübingen - Antioch in Germany Past Review

By (Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., DePauw University) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile! I've gained confidence and I've improved my language skills. I got to travel to other parts of Germany, as well as to other countries, and that has given me a better understanding of the diversity that exists in the world and how everyone contributes to the overall view of the world. (I've also learned something new about my own culture).

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-40 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I usually shopped at Penny Markt because the food quality was good and affordable.

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? 400
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Step out of your comfort zone and just speak with the native speakers, use the language as much as you can each day. Talk with your friends in that language (especially if your native languages are the same). Listen to the radio/music, read articles, and if you can, try to watch movies (in the desired language).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Location
  • People/ Educational Aspect
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • arrival in the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that 2 months instead of 1 month of Intensive Language Program at the Goethe Institute would've been a better option for me.