Intensive and worthwhile with a side of amazing beauty! Past Review

By (International Affairs, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Amazing friends, a real understanding of the culture, things I appreciate or take for granted and new things that I am bringing back to the states!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intensive!

* 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?

I did not have to use them, but the information was very extensive, had I needed to!

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget a lot for food because you want to be able to enjoy the local cuisine! But only eat out occasionally and try cooking for your self!

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? Advanced
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? 400
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? Try to always speak German when applicable! Fun and challenging!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The USAC employees!
  • The language courses
  • The city (Lüneburg)
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching beginning German in 6 weeks is essentially impossible
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be having much more homework! =].

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'