Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE! Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Berlin - UNI German Language and Culture in Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an experience that I cannot fully explain in words! I learned so much about the culture and history of Berlin! And I learned so much about Berlin and Germany's history from WWII to the Berlin Wall. I became immersed in the language and it was fun and exciting to jump into a new lifestyle. I noticed differences in the ways people live in Germany and the ways people live in the US.

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?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries! It saves money so you don't blow all of your money eating out. (But make sure you eat out as much as possible... so much delicious food!)

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

A lot of people speak English but you should try to speak German. It's fun and you become better at it!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Four years of Spanish in high school and three semesters of French in College.
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? Speak up! And don't expect to have an intense conversation with someone. Just take baby steps and build up some courage, then try to have more in depth conversations.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I really enjoyed the friendliness and cleanliness of the area!
  • I loved the group of people I went with!
  • The food was sooo amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • We went to museums almost everyday and it became a little too much in the end.
  • I wish we would have gone to other places in Germany.
  • I wish we would have had more group meals with the Professor.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? German! I learned a few words but not enough. I eventually learned enough to figure things out for myself.