Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I needed this and I didn't know it. Past Review

By (San Jose State University) - abroad from 03/01/2012 to 08/26/2012 with

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences: Darmstadt - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was SO worthwhile. Getting the chance to just do things differently, being thrown into situations with people you barely know, showing off your strengths and admitting to your weaknesses. I was so use to the groove of how things were done back home but this experience added new dimensions to the scope and context which I viewed my character, actions and life.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook together and for each other. It saves money, creates better meals, expands your options, creates better relationships and keeps you from isolating yourself in your room. I did not do this before but I know the value of it now.

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Living in a smaller city.
  • Experiencing a culture that cares more about the quality of life and time.
  • Traveling with other exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • The initial monetary exchange was a long and drawn out process. (3 weeks)
  • A local map of the city would have helped alot before leaving.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I needed an adapter/converter and not just a adapter.