Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I finally decided that I would like to pursue teaching German. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/20/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can now read and understand most German and even help explain grammar topics better. I can hold more abstract conversations.

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.

The courses were not academically rigorous, however, there was plenty of resources and I learned a lot during my semester abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director, housing coordinator, and professors were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family! I was able to really connect with them and learn about their culture.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Lüneburg is a very safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The city was safe, I had an amazing host family, my professors were very helpful, and I learned a lot through this program.

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? Maybe $50

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? I completed the highest level language course in the program before I left.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Track Course
  • Host Family
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • Tandem Program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to use public transportation because the first couple of times I traveled by myself, it was hard to understand the maps, schedules, and the difference between zones.

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!