Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Learning Experience in a Fantastic City Past Review

By (History, Political Science, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 03/07/2014 to 07/10/2014 with

University of Bamberg: Bamberg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to deal better with bureaucracy and do business with banks, etc and become more independent in those aspects. Also gained more experience with booking flights, hotels, and making travel plans.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international office or Auslandsamt was always willing to help and solved every problem I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment got the job done, but clearly needed some repairs.

* Food:

The food could be somewhat more expensive but I never tried anything that I didn't like. German food is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to get a feel for the specific accent in Bamberg and trick a few people into thinking I was a local. Never really had a bad experience with anyone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was able to exempt myself from buying German health insurance so I did not have any problems there.

* Safety:

Never felt threatened and could walk anywhere in the city even in the early hours of the morning.

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

Food was a little more expensive because of the dollar to Euro exchange rate, but Real was always a good choice for grocery shopping.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75

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

Most Germans I dealt with spoke English, so I did not become as fluent in German as I would have liked. However, I did become much better in understanding and translating German spoken to me and reading the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 201
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? Meet Germans and talk to as many as you can in German. Make sure you use German as much as possible while grocery shopping and other everyday encounters.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Food
  • Location (Germany's central location in Europe)
  • Sightseeing and Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Some teachers were not proficient in classes where English was the primary language
  • Some complicated, technical forms and important handouts pertaining to the university were also not available in English
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Can't really think of anything.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.