Americans were welcomed in Erfurt Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I gave Academics a 3 overall, as the academics here were average in my opinion. In regard to academics in Germany, you really get out of academics what you put into it. In the United States, you have to read the texts your professors assign you, but in Germany you don't have to if you don't want to. Academic-wise, you may have to take 3 tests per class per semester and have to pay attention in the United States, but will only have to give a presentation and write one 10 page double-spaced research paper on a specific topic in Germany. It's a lot easier to manage your time in regard to academics in Germany than the United States.

On-site administration of your program

The international office at the University of Erfurt is a nightmare to deal with, as they're not very helpful or friendly. I would bet you that at least 3 out of 5 people who studied at the University of Erfurt would agree with this statement. In short, the international office just reconfirms that you have a problem, but doesn't help you solve your problem. My suggestion to overcome the International Office's delinquenices is to go to Studium and Lehre as much as you can at the univerisity or to ask a German friend to help you with a problem, as they will help you solve your problems a lot faster than the international office.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Plauener Weg 8, which is the main dorm for international students at the University of Erfurt. The dorms are "ok"--they're functional, but not great by any means. Each person gets his or her own room in this dorm, 4 people usually live in the dorm, and each person shares a kitchen, bathroom, and shower with each other. I would recommend for intnernational students to live in Plauner Weg 8 even if Plauener Weg 8 isn't the fanciest, as a lot of social activities are centered in Plauener Weg 8 and living in Plauener Weg 8 therefore affords you opportunities to connect with other international students. <br /><br /> Living on the university campus was convienent location wise and definitely helped me make new friends in a short time. Note that you most likely will have to buy cookware when you settle-in, but this is not too expensive. The only big complaint I have about Plauener Weg 8 is that there are only 2 washing machines and one dryer for over 300 people to use, which is insane. Laundry is also very expensive in Germany and I would personally suggest hand washing and air drying your clothes instead of using the laundry facilities in the basement. Note that you can buy a clothes drying rack at amazon.de.

The university cafeteria's food was really good and affordable and the quality of food at the grocery store was ok. I'm not a huge fan of sausages and potatoes though (typical German food) and think that Germany could use a bit more variety in terms of restaurants to eat out at.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social and cultural opportunies in Erfurt are great if you seek them out. My most memorable social and cultural experiences were going to Berlin with international students, going to the Buchenwald Concentration, sipping cocktails at Hemingways (near Fischmarkt in Erfurt), going to the Bach Haus and Wartburg in Eisenach, watching the FIFA 2010 World Soccer Cup, going to Wittenberg and Eisleben to see exhibits on Martin Luther, going to festivals in Thuringen, spending time at Musikpark (a club that a lot of young people go to) ,etc... Good websites to note are musikparkerfurt.de; eburg.de; unikum.de; bahn.de; erfurt.de; thuringen-tourismus.de, weimar.de, etc...

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt as safe in Erfurt as I did in Austin--just use common sense and don't talk to strangers at night and you'll be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My comfortability with speaking German improved a lot, as well as my vocabulary. If you want to improve your language skills, write down new words you hear or read and take 10 minutes each day to learn what these new words mean. Also, go to social activities where the majority of the participants speak German in order to improve your speaking skills--for example, Cafe International or International Stammtisch. Most people spoke English in Germany, but you need to at know German too, as people in East Germany do not speak as much English as people in West Germany. A general rule is that younger people know a lot more English than older people.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students