Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hab Dich Lieb, Berlin! Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 08/13/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

CIEE: Berlin - Open Campus Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more confident in myself and learned to speak a new language, at least conversationally. It was 1000% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The level of course work was appropriate for a study abroad program. I still learned a lot while not being overwhelmed with homework and assignments. I was able to travel on weekends. There was one economics course that was much harder than the course code, it felt like a graduate level class. That class stressed me out and I wasn't able to travel during the 6 weeks of that course because of how difficult it was and the amount of coursework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinators and directors were fantastic!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms were nice enough but the communal kitchens were always disgusting and hardly usable. The students were slobs who never cleaned up after themselves, it was not the fault of the program itself.

* Food:

The food we had at celebrations like thanksgiving was always fantastic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since the institute was full of Americans, the dorm environment felt like a regular small college campus. But through the German I learned and exploring the city, I felt integrated with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to get a flu shot and I asked around where to get one, but I never got an answer.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe at the institute, and I liked that they locked the gate to the building at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would like to go to Asia if I were to study abroad again, and CIEE doesn't have as many options there.

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)

Because I had a refund check and am a thrifty shopper, I was able to make my money stretch for the semester. Food is affordable and travel is reasonable depending on where you go and how you get there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably about $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work as much as you can before hand, pay off any credit card debts before leaving so yo don't have to worry about them while not earning money.

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

I was always speaking German even with my friends, I really enjoyed it!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Duolingo
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? Duolingo is helpful

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 instructors
  • The location
  • The public transportation
* What could be improved?
  • The students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DON'T TAKE ECONOMICS WITH WANDA VRASTI, save more money!!

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.