I'd do it all again if I could! Past Review
By Austin W (International Studies, University of Idaho) for
USAC Germany: Lüneburg - German Language, European and Sustainability/Environmental Studies
I learned that life abroad is perfect for me. I may be back in the United States, but I'm an ex-pat at heart!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors at USAC Lüneburg were absolutely amazing. They all are really committed to working with the students, and they're quite a bit of fun outside of class too! The classes aren't too difficult, but they also tend to cover quite a bit of ground, so as long as you do your homework you'll be assured a good grade. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration in Lüneburg takes a lot of effort to make sure that students integrate into life in Germany as easily as possible. And when there are any problems there available to meet with you and try and help you out when they can. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I supremely loved my housing. It was a beautiful little house and I lived with a bunch of other international students, who were quite a bit of fun. I was really excited to meet people from all over the world and share the "international" experience with them. However, I would recommend that people choose to live with other Germans, as living with Germans will aid your language skills much better than a hodgepodge of students from other nationalities, because when that's the case the default language turns to English -- which is of no help to us. |
| * Food: |
I love German food. I love German beer, from brötchen to Hefeweizen. If you don't think you're going to like that stuff, then maybe Germany might not be the place for you. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The German people are amazingly kind when you get to know them, and they can be some of the best friends you'll ever have. As well, you'll find those Germans who are willing to open up their doors to you, even before having met you! (Through Couchsurfing of course...which I recommend to everybody!) |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe in Germany, and I never had any health issues. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The course was quite helpful, but as always, if you want to learn how to speak the language you have to get out there and talk with regular people in everyday life! Use any breaks you have to travel around Germany and meet as many people as you can. That way you can take the stuff you learn in class and apply it! |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get yourself out there! Don't lock yourself up in your room. And try to stay off the computer as much as possible, you'll be too tempted to facebook your time away. Buy a bike, the German countryside is gorgeous to ride through on the weekends. And make a "to do" list for your time abroad. Take the free moments and do things you've always wanted to do, but have never had the time. I read Plato's Republic and practiced my amateur photography...what kind of amazing things will you do? Also, keep the German friends you meet. The first German person I met hosted me on my last night in the country. If you are kind and respectful, they'll be kind and respectful back. Invest yourself in building friendships worthy of keeping for years to come. |
