Go to Dresden! Past Review

By (Biological Engineering, Cornell University) - abroad from 02/05/2012 to 07/16/2012 with

Boston University: Dresden - Engineering Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my survival skills, and a lot of course material as well. It was absolutely worthwhile and I wish I could go back again.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Technische Universitat Dresden, Universitat Klinikum Dresden
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Easier than Cornell courses, but well-structured and thorough.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A couple of rough moments with planning, but overall satisfactory.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is a great place to meet locals in the dorm.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the cheap food at supermarkets; eating out is great and all, but try having someone local teach you how to cook healthy meals in your country's style instead.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Take the intensive learning course seriously. It's a lot of fun and a huge help to your German skills.

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

  • 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?
  • The city of Dresden
  • Learning German
  • Social scene
* What could be improved?
  • A little more program organization
  • More organized travel plans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the possibilities for travel during breaks and before/after the program.