Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall satisfied but have a few critiques Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 08/07/2017 to 09/08/2017 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars: Berlin - Revolution, Industry, & Empire in Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved traveling around Europe and seeing different cultures in different countries. I also thought it was cool to learn in and out of the classroom.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor and intensity was definitely there, especially with the amount of reading we had to do for every class. Most of our assigned readings were from books we had to purchase beforehand. I wish we had more online resources/educational materials because it was very heavy to carry all the books there and back, especially while traveling before, during, and after the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our guide was on time, organized, friendly, helpful, and most importantly, patient with us. CEPA was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room was a bit small, but I liked having a hotel room that had a kitchen. Service apartments are a great idea.

* Food:

I appreciated that they were conscious of my lactose-free request and the meals wasn't terrible, but I feel like it could be better. It would also be nice to have more choice/variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I learned more about the local culture and met more local people around my age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues but I felt very cared for by CEPA and our guide. I'm sure if something did happen, I would feel cared for.

* Safety:

I felt like our hotel's location was in a rather safe area of the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I thought the academic material was interesting and the professor was amazing. I enjoyed being able to live in another country for a few weeks, it truly was an unforgettable experience. It was also very impactful getting to see what we learned in the classroom in person.

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)

It was harder to find cheaper options near our hotel because we were located in a more expensive area of the city. Otherwise, when we were in other parts of the city, I think it was fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I honestly don't remember.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Supermarkets are your best friend if you're on a budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professor
  • Length
  • Long Weekends
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Schedule (No more full day excursions)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Credit Cards are not accepted everywhere in Berlin!!!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.