Past Review

By Charlotte L (Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Centre College) for

Centre College: Strasbourg - Centre in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience was absolutely worthwhile. I improved my German and my confidence in meeting new people and making new friends. I also gained independence and the chance to travel all over Europe was priceless.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I thought that the classes I took really allowed me to appreciate being abroad by learning about the art of the region as well as allow me to see many attraction in person.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I thought that the administrator Dr. Keffer did an amazing job at making our experience in France one that was very positive.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I absolutely loved my host mother. I think that my language skills improved greatly and I formed a great relationship with my host mother. I was really like a second home to me. <br /><br /> I lived in a great apartment with an amazing host mother. I took the tram to class and into town which was fine. It was sometimes annoying to have to rely on the trams for time reasons, especially at night.
* Food:	It was expensive to spend $5 each time I ate with at my host family's house but the food was good and she was incredibly generous.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I loved getting to know my host family and the people I went abroad with.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I always felt safe.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	I spend about half of our stipend each week (120 euros). I hardly evern used any of my own money of food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Bring some euros with you for emergency, but really you just need to budget well.