Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beer and Brots: A rabbit's hole to Wonderland Past Review

By (International Economics And Finance, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/15/2013 to 07/21/2013 with

Boston University: Dresden - University Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Overall cultural immersion and just how different the world is. It was 100% worthwhile.

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.

This isn't associated with the program itself, as we took classes an actual German University. However, these classes were very easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was very good, but I felt as though I was expected to do things I had no idea about.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Best housing ever! German apartment with german or other international students, very nice location, and a great apartment.

* Food:

German food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, especially due to my living situation. I was living with germans, speaking with germans, and going to university with germans. At no point did I feel like I was not part of the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal experience since I didn't get sick, but other people who did seemed very satisfied

* Safety:

Very safe, police were everywhere but were not aggressive or mean. I felt safe walking in almost all of the city during almost all hours (but it is a city, so stupidity will lead to unsafe situations)

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)

This city is very cheap, and the program gives a stipend that you can easily live off of for the entire month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-75$ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend your money heedlessly. Be frugal when you need to and you will have money when you want it.

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

Almost everyone only speaks German. It was wonderful for leaning.

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 30a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Go out and do anything with anyone, meet new people, and request to speak the language as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Food
  • Housing
  • Lots of travel time
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-Departure information
  • Help with enrolling for classed at the university
  • RAs that are more responsible
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More German

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.