What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger! Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/20/2016 to 05/13/2016 with
Bard College: Berlin - Semester or year at Bard College Berlin
I learned how to be emotionally independent, how to live in a city, and how to problem solve on the go.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a definite range of intensity depending on the course. Some courses were a complete breeze while others were a bit more of an effort. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site support felt dismissive and not genuine. However, the off-site support from Bard College was prompt and strong. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not receive the housing situation I was originally sold on. Some students live in newly renovated apartments which are very nice and well lit. I was placed into a dorm. |
| * Food: |
Surprisingly nice with fresh options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most people at the school are also from other countries, so there are very few people you meet who know the local area. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Even though there were flaws, figuring them out is what really made me grow. |
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) |
It's very easy to spend $$$ in the city |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out; don't leave your room |
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 |
They encourage students to speak German as much as possible as a act of respect |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Talk to yourself/ have fake conversations |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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 think not knowing a lot was what really pushed me |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
