Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

106 Bergstrasse Past Review

By (Psychology, Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/09/2015 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got a lot of perspective and self-confidence. Never knowing what the plan is for excursions or simple daily tasks made not stressing over small stuff easier.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love the house and neighborhood where we live, and it's close to a tram stop. One downside is that there are only two washers and two dryers for a house full of people.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would average it to be about one hundred euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out all the time, water isn't free in Germany and so that makes dinner quite expensive.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 semesters, German 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Heidelberg
* What could be improved?
  • Roommate survey before moving in
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should try to make friends, but it's okay if you don't mesh well with other people. It happens and it's nobody's fault.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.