Germany: the Friendships Make the Trip. Tübingen, Antioch in Germany Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the Goethe Institut, but I think I stopped absorbing German after I left Berlin, two months into my seven months in Germany. Tuebingen is an extremely diverse setting because there are so many international students there. I could go an entire day without hearing German, and everyone I knew spoke English. We definitely tried speaking in German, however, but I think I needed a different experience to better my German. The semester did not help me in my majors of Anthropology and Art History, and I guess I didn't really go abroad with those goals in mind--I wanted to focus on German. Yes, my German did improve, but I think people should wait to go abroad so that they have a better foundation in a language.

On-site administration of your program

I felt it was difficult to get in touch with the program representative in Tuebingen. She was not always accessible by email. She was not only the rep for Antioch, but also for all international students that came to Tuebingen, so I understood that she had a lot to deal with. She was helpful at the beginning of the semester, explaining how to submit documents and enroll in the university and that sort of thing. I also got sick at one point during the semester, so she was very responsive to that. However, not much contact was kept up through the semester. Knowledge about American higher education? Well, she had attended University in Texas, so she knew how the education systems differed and how credits would be transferable. Program size was good, 7 people I think. Expectations met? I think I had more of an issue with the way the education is set up than with the program's administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the first two months, I stayed with a host mom. She was nice, but she really just kept to herself, and unfortunately, we didn't associate with each other all that often. A room was provided, and I did not need to buy sheets or blankets or anything like that. I was also allowed to use the kitchen and only needed to buy food. This was similar in Tuebingen, except I was in an apartment dorm setting. There were six rooms, 3 bathrooms, and one kitchen/common room. I had my own room, and I had Germany roommates who were very nice but really kept to themselves. Sheets were provided by my program.

Doener Kebap! These will keep you alive. They are cheap, ridiculously filling, and absolutely delicious. They're pretty much like a gyro, if you've ever had one. They usually run about 3 euro, which is hard to beat. I specifically decided to sign off of vegetarianism while I was there, but I do know a couple people who were completely fine eating no meat. People are generally worried about being vegetarian in Germany because they think German food is all about the meat, but you can find vegetarian options everywhere, and there are tons of German vegetarians.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people I became friends with, though they were international students, were some of the most wonderful people I met, and they made the whole experience worthwhile. Also, I did a ton of traveling, not through the program, but on my own time with friends. I would of course recommend traveling to anyone. And start early! Don't put off trips because your time goes fast. And do research before you go to places. But, as far as the program organizing trips, there weren't any. We did have two free dinners at nice restaurants, though. The Goethe Institut in Berlin had such great programs and opportunities. Every week, practically everyday, there was some sort of free walking tour with a German teacher/tour guide to walk around a designated part of the city so as to explain the historical/cultural significance. And they had special deals on things like bike tours and museum visits. I would definitely recommend taking part in some of those tours.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The one time I was really, really sick, my program director drove me to the doctor and talked to a nurse for me, so that was incredibly helpful, and I am very grateful for that. As far as safety, Berlin and Tuebingen are very different stories. Obviously Berlin being a large cosmopolitan city with a lot of crime, you have to always be aware of your surroundings. I never felt like I was in danger, and I did go out at nighttime and got stuck in some shady places, but you have to be smart about things. I would recommend always having a map on you, as well as some money in case you want a taxi. And make sure you know your address! As far as Tuebingen, I felt very safe in that city. It really had more of a small town vibe that had tons of university students. I never felt in danger and walked home at night a couple of times. But I always made sure to be safe about things.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Yes, unfortunately most people spoke English, especially younger students. It was difficult because some people would not want to hear your German and just start speaking in English because either they wanted to practice English, or they thought it was easier for you. But you just have to politely continue in german or ask them to speak in German. Yes, I did use the language in everyday interactions.

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• Apartment
• Host Family

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• Host Family
• Local Students

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• Goethe Institut in Berlin
• location
• intensive language programs

• information prior to departure
• communication between representatives and students