A Month in Germany: The Best Way to Summer Study Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Our program had two main educational components: the class we took in mornings in Köln and our afternoon and overnight excursions in the city and neighboring cities and towns with sites and history relevant to the course material. Since both components worked through direct immersion and interaction with places and people, it cannot be duly compared to a standard lecture. As for learning another language and understanding another culture, this method is far more effective and now I support studying abroad for any length of time under any field of study. We did have assignments upon return to complete a portfolio of the program and a cross-cultural written work.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a very comfortable housing experience! My neighborhood was safe, clean, very close to the central city, and beautiful. All basic necessity items were provided (I had my own toiletries) and even had Wi-Fi. My family had been hosting for some twenty years and was very friendly and curious about my own culture and impressions on theirs. I was treated mainly as a guest, which was most fitting since I was seldom in the apartment.

I don't have any dietary restrictions, but all the food I had in Germany is delicious! A typical dinner will likely involve pork, sausage, or fish with potatoes or pommes (french fries). I did need to go out of my way for milk and vegetables (salads are delicious but most dishes didn't have vegetable sides). Since you walk everywhere in Germany, you will probably be hungry more often. Luckily, there are bakeries everywhere that serve tasty and healthy sandwiches (but you won't find chips) and pastries. One major difference is the water: mineral water has gas (most non-Europeans dislike this). You will need to specify "stilles" Wasser in restaurants and look for "ohne Kohlensäure" on water bottles. Also, restaurants serve small beverages, no free water, no free refills. My best advice for snacks and beverages is to find a lower-end grocery store and stock up there; it's significantly cheaper than any other shop. I don't recall any bad food, but more authentic local food would logically be found beyond the tourist districts of town - but that also means folks there will probably speak less English.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have absolutely no complaints about our excursions or trips. From the museums to the mountain hikes to the castles, it was all well worth it. There's something for everyone in this program, and I came wanting to experience everything and left extremely fulfilled. The boat tours down the Rhein and the Spree as well as trips to the castles on low mountains were among my favorite arranged activities. Even using the public transportation and getting around the city was really different from in Texas. Also, don't forget to see things on your own. Explore any museums, shops, sites, clubs or shows you would like to see in your free time (our program had free days to allow us some independence and room for our own interests). Don't forget socializing with your schoolmates and living nightlife!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Germany is very clean and safe. I had no safety or health-related incidents. Just don't do anything that is obviously hazardous.

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

I actually practiced the language most with other international students from Carl Duisberg Centren, especially those who did not know English. I used the native language in nearly all everyday interactions. On occasion, I would need to converse in English to better understand something. Most of the staff and younger locals spoke decent English.

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• Hostel
• Hotel
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• International Students