Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Die Guten - BCA Marburg - Philipps University Past Review

By (International Economics And Finance, Austin College) - abroad from 08/03/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends who I will have my entire life. I gained a greater sense of independence. I gained a greater understanding of the world. Most of all, I gained a renewed appreciation for life.

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.

* 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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on travelling while studying abroad in Europe, book early and fly Ryan Air. Pool your money together with the people you live with. Don't go out to the bar every night.

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? German 325
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? DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH. EVER.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The split between Vienna and Marburg
  • My living situation in Marburg
* What could be improved?
  • Strongly encourage students to go for the full year. Otherwise, the time in both cities is far too short.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be more difficult making friends in Vienna than it was in Marburg.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.