Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

USAC Germany: Lüneburg - German Language, European and Sustainability/Environmental Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My ability to empathize with people from other cultures has grown tremendously. I truely know what it is like to live in a foreign land where you do not know or understand the day to day workings of that society.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Language track courses were really intense but rewarding. English classes were pretty much of the same caliber as my home university in regards to homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was extremely helpful and always there to help people with every problem or concern they had. The would respond quickly via phone and email

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Landlord and location was the best in the program. The only negative aspect of it was the heating system was not super efficient so during the winter months it was rather cold. However, I feel that was the only negative part of my housing situation.

* Food:

Not as much variety as I was use to back home but you learn to get creative and try some of the local cuisine. However, the price of food was extremely cheap compared to back home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor one time during my study abroad experience. The program recommends a doctor during program orientation, who speaks english and is very professional. Only downfall was that I was prescribed ibuprofen for a throat infection which wasn't too great.

* Safety:

The city is extremely safe. I only heard of one incident involving an international student having a problem with a local individual. In all my experiences of being out at night and throughout the day I never had a problem.

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)

It all depends on how you manage your money. If one goes out to the bar every night and drinks heavily then you will go through money really fast. Eating meals at home and "socializing" at home prior to going out will save you a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not too sure about my weekly expenses but on average I was spending between 100 and 160 a month.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring an old cellphone form home and get a German SIM card when you get there.

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? two semesters of college german plus four years of high school german
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? Listen to music, read, and try to watch television

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends that I made
  • Language progression
  • traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with some of the teachers and their expectations for their courses
  • Incorporating more of the GErman university system into the way the classes are taught
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about where to find things at local places. Such as what store sells the different types of garbage bags? Where are the laundry places located at in the city? That information would have been nice to ontain during the program orientation.

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!