This program opened the world to me. September 21, 2023
By Deanna G (Key West High School) - abroad from 07/01/2023 to 07/30/2023 with
The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The European Union
The whole experience was something I was able to live and learn from, but my homestay especially made an impact on me and my future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program was extremely enriching and when going out of it, I felt it was a successful outcome. The program is revolved around European country’s relations and the politics within each one, so you get to experience much of what a politically inclined student would love. Traveling to different countries allowed time in between to digest the curriculum and access to political resources was abundant. Overall, this trip was one for the books and something I would recommend every student to take part in. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My homestay experience was wonderful. My family welcomed me with open arms and I was very comfortable with living with them. Homestay is a great way to really engage with a different culture and to experience it is like no other. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Every hostel exceeded our expectations and were fine to stay in. Our group leaders made our rooming arrangements enjoyable and I felt comfortable in each hostel I stayed in. |
| * Food: |
Though we were in Germany, the restaurant choices were still diverse, and we got to experience all kinds of different culture’s food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Towards the end I was almost able to call myself a real German. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It may depend on your group leaders, but the country itself had pharmacies everywhere. Our group leaders were very helpful in getting multiple people’s prescriptions as well as other remedies needed. |
| * Safety: |
All of Germany was extremely safe. The most dangerous city in Germany was not even comparable to the dangerous cities in the U.S. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I loved this program, but it was done in one trip. I would love to experience a different country for another time in my life. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The program provides money for any meals so the only need for pocket money is for excursions outside of the itinerary and other purchases. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-$200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not go all out in the first week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It is common for most European countries to require English as a course, so outside of homestay English is used frequently. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | None |
| 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? | Study beforehand if you plan on using it |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just have fun and live in the moment. |
