Baden Württemberg Exchange Past Review
By Kathleen A (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) for
University of Mannheim: Mannheim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
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? |
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* 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
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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) |
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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 |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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