Becoming Bayrisch Past Review
By Madeline H (Austin College) - abroad from 09/28/2011 to 07/28/2012 with
Wayne State University: Junior Year in Munich
I gained many friendships with this experience, and I also learned a dialect of the language I'm learning. I truly think it was worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was provided with a small, yet comfy, apartment. It had everything I needed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since LMU is also an international school, I have met many other students from across the world there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The Health Care System is considerably better here in Germany. |
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| 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) |
Europe is very expensive with the exchange rate. I was unable to do the budget that Austin College provided for me, because it wasn't possible after the exchange rate to only spend $3 on per meal. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 or more |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stock up on healthier foods here in Germany. They're cheaper than junk food,and can prepare a variety of different meals for yourself (Provided you can cook) |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I completed a Senior Level German course. |
| 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? | Find a friend in the country you're in that has the same interests as you do. You'll have a lot to talk about, and you can pick up the language as you interact together. |
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? | I wish I knew more about the festivals that take place locally more, so I could be better prepared for when they come. |
