Wouldn't change it for the world. Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/15/2012 with

Valparaiso University: Reutlingen - Hochschule Reutlingen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a new found appreciation for international students and their travels here. It was absolutely worthwhile, I have a new confidence with tackling things as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the classes taught by German professors very much as for the classes taught by Valpo faculty I thought they were taking them much too serious and were handing out homework that may have lessened our chances of travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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 would've taken a larger amount than 3000.

* 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? 75-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to make family dinners among the whole group. Two people can be in charge of it each night and each person can contribute something.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Incorporate it into your daily routine as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Friends
  • Foreign Travels
  • Crazy Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • On-site advising and preparation
  • Course Load
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Money matters, what things may be worth doing, and perhaps to be a little more spontaneous and outgoing.