Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable, I'd do it again but staying somewhere else January 16, 2023

By (Chemistry, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2022 to 01/09/2023 with

Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about different people, cultures and histories. My mind was opened a lot more than I expected. It was 100% worth it and this experience forever changed me.

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.

I do not think the STEM courses provided by the university were to my level of academic rigor. Instead of having many assignments or collaborative work during the semester, most if not all of your grade depended on the final exam.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think German customs are a bit different than American customs in that they are much more direct. I did find some staff that was super helpful and kind but at the same time, our study abroad coordinator was not helpful at all. She only organized one event for the exchange students and it was towards the end of the year.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms are sort of like suites. Each person gets their own room and you share the restroom with one other person. Each room also has their own locks so it is super reliable. Overall I had a pretty good experience in the dorms but the bed I had was super hard and uncomfortable.

* Food:

Compared to my home university this one was better. Some days were really good and others you could not find anything. The dining hall employees were also rude and would start closing and shutting things off early before they were officially closed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Enough to know that the German culture was not one of my favorites out of all of the other cultures that I experienced.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were required to have German health insurance. I wasn't able to use it just because of a lack of time and the university doesn't really provide any information or guidance.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe. My friend unfortunately was pickpocketed amongst her last days in Bremen but we never had an experience like that earlier in the semester.

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

The location was great for traveling to a bunch of different countries, but I would like to go somewhere where I want to learn their language and spend more time in that country visiting different cities.

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)

I planned to travel and prioritized it. I was lucky enough to receive funding from my university and from a scholarship. On top of that, I saved up all semester so it was expensive but I was able to do a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ryanair is the cheapest and best airline for students. Look at all different modes of transportation from FlixBus to DB trains. Don't bring a lot of things, you will buy a lot there. Don't be pressured to buy something or go somewhere because of your friends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Travel
  • Friends/Connections
* What could be improved?
  • Exchange Student Staff
  • Class Structures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The university is very small so it can feel clicky but don't be afraid to integrate yourself and find your people. Don't just stick to the exchange students, meet other people as well.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.