Learning German in Heidelberg Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Truman State University) for

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Heidelberg - Collegium Palatinum

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes!!! I learned so much and grew as a person even more. You really have to rely on yourself when you are in a different country thousands of miles form home.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the program and thought it was a nurturing environment in which to learn German. The teachers are more than willing to help you and having class everyday really builds a bond with your fellow students from around the world. A very welcoming and diverse place in which to learn German.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Most people were very knowledgeable and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with a host family. They really cared about me and you get to witness what everyday life is really like in Germany.

* Food:

I really liked living with a host family as the meals were fantastic!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the most fun part about the program. The students would get to explore Heidelberg and have a lot of fun. For example concerts and a firework show on the Nekarwiese.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe. Heidelberg is modern city with all the comforts that come with it.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring half as many clothes as you think you need and TWICE as much money. But seriously this question varies depending on personality and what I person is seeking to do outside of school.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate German
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The entire school is centered around learning German at CP so this was a very strong component. Most of the time German was spoken, especially in class, but English was sometimes spoken by students when finding the words in German was a little difficult.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The small class sizes
  • Attention to students
* What could be improved?
  • Better explaination of the German grading system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student who want to meet people form all over Europe and has a love for German culture and language would do well here.

Comments

That's wonderful! We are happy to hear that you had an amazing study abroad experience! CCIS

CCIS October 26, 2011