Baden Württemberg Exchange Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) for

University of Mannheim: Mannheim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most wonderful experience of my life. Fair warning, dealing with PC's abroad office is painful but worth the hassle. Don't be daunted by the inefficiency of the office, the overall experience is worth the stress.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This survey is very limited because the program I particpated provided a variety of possible answers listed in the survey. I not only took regular host institution courses but courses only for foreign students. Not all of my classes were assessed once at the end of the semester, but a majority were. In my regular host institution classes, the majority of students were local, but in the courses only available to foreign students, the majority of students were foreign.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinator made sure all went well. Two visits throughout the semester made us realize we weren't forgotten.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own room in a 5 person apartment. My entire apartment shared a kitchen with a another 5 person apartment. Not the cleanest place around, but it was home for 5 months. Hafenstrasse, Jungbusch, Mannheim. <br /><br /> Good location, okay neighborhood, too many churchbells, everything within walking distance.

* Food:

I made my own food, I'm not a culinary student. Mensa was reliable for lunch.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Life was good. German beer is delicious. Oktoberfest was heaven on earth.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Didn't need to see a doctor but I knew they were there in case I needed one. Make sound decisions.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Overweight luggage is expensive.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

My ability to speak German is 100% better than before.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it with no regrets. Will complete you as a person.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Union

Course Department: DaF
Instructor: Alex Pfisterer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a comprehensive overview of the structures and functions of the EU. We took two fields trips, to the German stock exchange and European Central Bank in Frankfurt and to the European Parliament in Strasburg, France. Participation was relatively similar to my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Film

Course Department: Humanities Dept.
Instructor: Barbara Krah
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting course examining various aspects of film techniques.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Grammar

Course Department: DaF A2B1
Instructor: Melanie Bierth
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The course was a comprehensive german grammar class conducted entirely in German. The teacher taught us for a fair portion of the class and the material was reinforced with various exercises, individual and group. Participation was required.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Oral Communication

Course Department: DaF A2B1
Instructor: Natalia Fontaigner
Instruction Language: German
Comments: This course was conducted completely in German and tested one's ability to communicate in German. Various matters were discussed each week to expand our ability to conduct conversations. The teacher made the class interesting by providing topics of interest to students.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Comments

We are sorry this student seems to have had a problem with the Center for International Studies. Getting courses approved is a process that involves several different offices and faculty members, and unfortunately the CIS has no way of expediting this. We encourage students to contact staff directly with any questions or concerns they have regarding the study abroad experience or the services offered by our office.

Anonymous January 14, 2010