This trip was the best thing to happen to me. Past Review
By Caitlynne H (International Studies-German Commerce, Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/22/2014 to 07/04/2014 with
USAC Germany: Lüneburg - German Language, European and Sustainability/Environmental Studies
I learned so much about life in general. Luneburg/germany was a great place to "find yourself". It changed my views on politics, food, culture, life, language, etc. I learned a great deal of german and it made me want to go back to germany for another study abroad (which i am in the fall, for a year).
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had a 2 hour 8 am language class Monday-Thursday, and a 2 hour 1 pm class Monday-Thursday. The instructors were so awesome! All german professors from Leuphana Universitaet. The course load was just enough to where I learned a great deal of German, but not too much to where I was staying in every night doing homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
USAC was extremely helpful with everything. I once got lost at night by myself, and I called one of the administrators crying and he got me back to my apartment, so nice. I also lost my train pass and they helped me replace it really fast! They even drank beer with us |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment in the Altstadt, right next to St. Nickoli's church, it was gorgeous, perfect for one person. Every morning on my way to class I could ride my bike, walk, or take the bus, and on the way grab a pastry in a bakery. |
| * Food: |
german food, do i need to say more? I definitely spent more money on food than I should have...but it was germany! OH and the beer, soooo much beer. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I started dating another international student from france while I was there and because of him I was able to meet all of the other international students/germans that he knew from the months before! Some people say that the germans are not friendly to americans/foreigners, but i received nothing but kindness from them! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was so safe! And so was all of Germany, actually. There was only one night I didnt feel too comfortable, but it was late, i was alone, lost, and it was only my 2nd day there. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 200-300 dollars a week... But i drank a lot, went out a lot, and ate out a lot... |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you get money from the ATM, withdraw a lot, because then you will go to the ATM less. And every time you use it with an american card, it charges you a fee. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German 102 (college) but 3 years in HS prior. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | that it is not as unsafe as people make Europe out to be...also, they don't have air conditioning and it's way colder than you think it will be (But i'm from texas..everything is colder). |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
