Germany: interesting but challenging Past Review
By Lila M (Geography and Cartography., Clark University) for
Trier University: Trier - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The study abroad experience did give me a better understanding for German culture and I was able to learn the language better. Academically the program was not a good experience for me. It did not add to my college transcript. I do think I will continue learning German later in life and that culturally I am more aware.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were many differences in the educational system. The grading system is completely different and credit given for a course is different. The style of the teaching methods at the host university did not compare to my home university. The requirements for the semester are different;there is only one test at the end of the semester for the majority of the courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The one person who was in charge of the exchange was very nice and would help whenever needed but he did not have much knowledge of the other administrations, in other departments. I did not feel like I was very supported while picking courses. The other administrators did not seem to have much contact with the exchange counselor, so working out transcripts at the end was a challenge. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were too many Americans where I lived. The program seemed to put a lot of the Americans together, so speaking English was very accessible. The dorm was far from the University, although in the center of the city, so it was easy to get things I needed for the four months. |
| * Food: |
Good because I made it all myself as much as possible. There was no meal plan, but students were provided with a kitchen. There is a cafeteria at the University but most of the time it was easier to cook for one's self. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The social and cultural experience was good for me. I met a German that also studied at the university. She made the experience memorable for me. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe. Health insurance was paid for, so I felt that if there were any issues, it wouldn't be a problem to get a treatment or a prescription. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills did improve, but the language component could have been much more intensive. The teachers for the language courses were mostly students themselves, so there wasn't much qualifications needed to teach the courses. Many of the German students know English very well, so it was easy to speak English everyday. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The student that would benefit most for this program, is a student that is majoring in German and already has a lot of knowledge in the language. |
