Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I got to see the entireity of western Europe and I loved every minute of it. Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 07/31/2016 with

University of Bamberg: Bamberg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I got to see more countries than I ever imagined and I have made friends from all over the world. It has been a wonderful experience.

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.

* 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

Bamberg is a great place to experience real German culture and see everyday German life first hand. It is also a great base camp for traveling around Europe. Frankfurt, Nuremburg, and Munich airports are very accessible and make it easy to travel as much as possible.

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? around 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes, be flexible on food and look for the best deals you can. Do not be afraid to compare prices and do some research on the cheapest stores.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had completed my senior German capstone course at Oklahoma State.
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? Duolingo, and acting out conversations really helped me out. It sounds rediculous, I know, but it really helped me.

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

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Travel
  • New Friends
  • A real look at German culture
* What could be improved?
  • The challenge level of education
  • More exposure to German students.
  • More help at the beginning in getting moved in and settled in.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been more prepared for what I needed to do before making the move. I had to rush around and figure everything out the moment I stepped off of the plane. My biggest problem was that my student health insurance wasn't valid in Germany. Definitely triple check that before you make the move.

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.