Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One semester is enough time to understand that you need one more. Past Review

By (International Relations and National Security Studies., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 04/28/2014 to 02/14/2015 with

University of Freiburg: Freiburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how incredibly small Europe is. I also learned that Germany is the best place to watch a World Cup, ERASMUS students (students in the EU) study abroad almost exclusively to learn a language and are not accountable for their GPA while abroad, and that John Travolta was right in Pulp Fiction when he said that Europe is basically the same as the U.S., but it's the little differences that are the most noticeable when you're here.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I filed a claim for both a doctor and a dentist visit, but I never even received a response from the UT international insurance company.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside your rent money for the entire study abroad period and eat at home as often as you can.

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? Advanced Conversation and Composition
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? If you want to practice German then it is important to note that the other international students who group together will be speaking mostly English as it is the universal language. Try to meet some German students and make it clear that you want to speak German with them.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The location.
  • The World Cup was going on during the program.
* What could be improved?
  • The communication between the Program Coordinator and the study abroad student
  • The factoring of the grades into our home university's GPA was a serious deterrent from taking difficult classes in a foreign language and therefore made it difficult to get the language exposure inside the classroom.
  • The health insurance and information on health insurance procedures before leaving the country.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much the exchange rate takes from your savings before you even start spending money.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!