Past Review
By Mary S (Architecture., The University of Texas at Austin) for
University of Texas - Austin: Munich - Sustainable Architecture and Design in Munich
Yes, extremely (see comments)
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Technische Universitat Munchen |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professor was encouraging, fair, and an expert in the field of sustainability and the field trips were more than supplementary - they were inspiring. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Haidhausen (east of Munich), Holbeinstrasse <br /><br /> The landlord was difficult to deal with. Communications about what was originally in the rent agreement was later denied by the landlord (i.e. access to laundry facilities was denied; extra keys were denied). Apartment was in very nice neighborhood. |
| * Food: |
In Munich, especially on a students budget, buy lunch from an Imbiss (snack) shop. Good and cheap(er) selection of pre-made sandwiches, paninis, and sausage on a roll. Breakfast of coffee and breads can be found at any corner bakery. Be advised that tipping is usually included on the bill, but be sure to ask. Fresh food (fruits, vegetables) stands are easy to find around the city center in Munich. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Munich and the region of Bavaria is located by the Alps. This proximity offers great outdoor activity opportunities and take advantage of them! The Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany and taking the trains from Munich to the mountains is beautiful and fun. A day on the summit and enjoying the glacier-fed lake at the bottom (Eibsee) is a great weekend adventure. Also, spending a warm Sunday at Munich's Englisher Garden is great and so many people enjoy walking the miles of trails, playing soccer in the fields, and then meeting friends at the Chinese Tower (beer garden) in the evening. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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? | Laundry (waschsalons) are very expensive outside of the University-area. Also, very few places (with the exception of better restaurants, tourist destinations) accept credit cards or debit cards for smaller purchases. Make sure that your ATM card will work overseas to withdraw cash. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The program was great and I learned so much, not only from the courses, but from being immersed in a culture. I believe what made the program was the professor's expert knowledge and passion for the topic of study and his enthusiasm in teaching us about his home country and the traditions, history, and culture. I don't know if this program would have been as successful and enjoyable without his guidance. Germany is a country that embraces and pushes the envelope, so to speak, in sustainable design and renewable energies. It is also a country with a rich history and distinct culture. That being said, studying here for six weeks was an eye-opening and life-changing experience. A student who challenges themselves to immerse themselves in this culture will learn a lot. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Modern History of Sustainable Architecture/Technologies and Techniques of sustainable Design |
| Course Department: | ARC 388R/ARC 386M |
| Instructor: | Prof. Werner Lang |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The course was challenging, but in a good way - the field trips supplemented the course material and the lectures were relevant. The professor was extremely knowledgeable and considerate of each and every one of his students. Learned a ton! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
