Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life-Changing Experience Past Review

By (Art History and German Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/09/2014 to 07/18/2015 with

Wellesley College: Wellesley-in-Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In addition to language skills, I feel that I've gained so much confidence. I had to do so many things (find an apartment, make a budget) which I'd never had to do before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes can be great or not depending on which ones you choose - I had classes I loved and got a lot out of and classes that I didn't really learn anything from because the language was too difficult for me to follow.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

First semester I lived in a dorm, which was way out near the edge of the city. It took a while to get anywhere, BUT it was extremely, extremely cheap. I had intended to just stay the full year, but I learned somewhat late that I would only be able to stay for a semester and thus had to scramble to find somewhere else to live. I did find a place, but ended up having to stay in a hotel for a few days between contracts, which was pretty expensive. I would recommend that anyone planning to stay a full year find a room in an apartment (or even a full apartment!). It is stressful finding housing but compared to a lot of American cities Berlin is still rather cheap. And what an experience! Having that adult-esque experience of living on my own and cooking my own meals has, I think, really allowed me to grow and mature. The idea of moving out and having my own place isn't as frightening as it was a year ago because, well, I've done it already!

* Food:

I cooked pretty much all of my food myself, but ate lunch in the Mensa on the days I had class. Food in the grocery stores is so, so cheap! You can eat very well for very little money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My family is German so I don't really feel that I experience very much culture shock... I had a pretty easy time adjusting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to a specialist at one point, and was able to get an appointment quickly and cheaply. My tutor was able to arrange the appointment for me.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Berlin than I do in many cities in the US! Granted, I'm also a blue-eyed blonde and look extremely German. I can only share my own experiences, but I have friends of other ethnicities who didn't feel the same. There are some places way, way out in the East which I've heard have some problems with neo-Nazis, but they are, as I said, way out there. There's no way you'd accidentally end up in one of those neighborhoods.

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)

Berlin is very, very cheap, especially compared to the US

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40-50 Euro for food, alcohol, etc. (and I ate pretty well; i know people who only spent about 20 Euro per week)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook! Your food costs will decrease dramatically.

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? A 200 independent study
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 city
  • the classes
* What could be improved?
  • help with housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I'd eventually have to find my own housing

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!