Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unbelievable Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/31/2015 with

Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about foreign languages/cultures/customs, as well as learned a lot about myself. It was certainly worthwhile.

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.

Not as difficult/intense as Wellesley, but the teaching quality was great, and I still learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was very well organized, but the registrar was not very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not like my roommate situation, but otherwise the living arrangements were fine.

* Food:

The meal plan itself was great, and I never had to worry about going hungry, but the food could have been better.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated into the German culture, and I was familiar with the town and the customs, but I never felt very integrated with the university's culture. This was partly due to the fact that we often had excursions on the weekends, so we didn't have much time to attend on campus events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was available for everyone, and the doctor was nearby and easily accessible. The local healthcare system was great. I didn't need any vaccines, and there were no health issues in my city/country, but I felt completely taken care of.

* Safety:

I think it was a very safe city and campus; I never felt like I was in any danger.

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)

I was able to live fairly easily on a student's budget. Basically all of the money that I spent was for traveling; food was covered by the program.

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

I used the language because I wanted to practice, so I personally was encouraged by my professors, but the language was not a requirement for all students.

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? German 288
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? Spend time with a host family.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 excursions
  • practicing German
  • making new friends
* What could be improved?
  • integration with local students
  • communication with registrar
  • food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that I am very accustomed to the way things are in the US, which I didn't realize, and which made the transition slightly difficult.

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!