Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So far, it was the best, funnest, and most unforgettable trip of my life. Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 07/31/2016 to 09/03/2016 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars / UCSD: Berlin - 20th Century World History in Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was probably more worthwhile than any other trip I've ever taken. I think the most important thing I gained was perspective, and what it was like to live for an extended time in a country that is still modernized but very different from and with different customs than my own home country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Of course, if I were to study abroad again, I would definitely pick a different country so that I could learn about a different culture, but if the question is whether or not it was an experience I would go through again, then the answer is undoubtedly yes.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? on average, 100-150 Euros/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Personally, I feel that if you're studying abroad, you should be money-conscious but shouldn't try to save money. I say this because it's much more worth it to spend money and live the experience of indulging in the culture of the foreign country than to spend your days worrying about money instead of making the trip worthwhile and something to remember. I promise, in the future you won't regret spending a little more on something you'll likely remember for the rest of your life. (For me, this applies strictly to cost of food and other personal expenses, not things such as program costs, tuition, etc.)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Duolingo is a free, online service that is helpful in learning beginner to intermediate levels of a foreign language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professor and program coordinator
  • free time/freedom we were given to explore the city/country
  • people that I met (through the program and otherwise)
* What could be improved?
  • Living arrangements (a couple students had some possessions stolen from the hostel staff)
  • slightly shorter and more interesting museum tours/excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not over pack, since Germany also has living essentials

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.