No regrets Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/23/2012 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Words really can't explain all the things I learned from my experience abroad. I can say that it was the most worthwhile experience and probably the best I have ever had in my entire life. 100% worthwhile, if you have the opportunity to study abroad, do it.

Review Photos

UIW European Study Center: Heidelberg- EU Studies, European Business, and IR Photo UIW European Study Center: Heidelberg- EU Studies, European Business, and IR Photo UIW European Study Center: Heidelberg- EU Studies, European Business, and IR Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This academic program offers a good balance of classes in terms of academic rigor and subject. I would highly recommend this study abroad academically if you are a business student.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration here is really on their game. They are the ones who really help you prepare for coming here and are really easy to communicate with. Their are two head directors; one that is a German native and really familiar with the entire area (he is realllly cool too) and the other a German resident who is really the hands on "ground level manager" or "principal" I would say (she is super nice and saves you at least twice a day). There are also two secretarial interns who are younger that help the students get settled in. They help us with transportation, shopping, accessing something locally, really anything we need. They are really helpful too and always available and willing to help you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We live in the coolest place ever... It is in one of the nicest parts of Heidelberg which is a wealthy city and is a castle.. It is a 4 story castle that is totally vintage. It has ivy all over it, a spiral staircase, and a nice big courtyard to toss the football, hang, and grill in. The best part is that the parts you actually live in they have updated with modern interior. For example my room looks like a hotel room and has a bunch of real nice brand new furniture. We take classes on the main floor of the castle too which makes going to class really convenient.

* Food:

Grocery store 2 blocks away and a workable kitchen. House cleaner does a great job helping us keep the kitchen clean.. I also think the local food is delicious. The majority of the students here do too. Food prices here are really reasonable as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A number of excursions were scheduled that allowed us to get out and about in the country. It also allowed us to learn how to travel far distances on our own for when we wanted to travel by ourselves/with a friend. We also have a foreign language program in one wing of our building with students from all over the world we interact with. There is also a really cool and laid back bar scene in the city and everyone there is very approachable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually never had a health issue so I can't really give you much feedback here. You kind of all become a big family staying here though so we all take care of each other.

* Safety:

Very safe living area and city. Public transportation always offers you a way to get home. (if you are drinking, in a dangerous situation, etc) Housing is also within walking distance of city. Most dangerous part about living here I would say is learning how to bike on the streets hahaha. Seriously though, you can get jacked up..

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)

If you want to go out and travel and get a full taste of life in Europe you are going to need to spend money. You probably wont need it all but I recommend allocating up to $1,500 a month for expenses. Really conservative spenders spend about $1,000 a month and some kids spend up to $1,800 a month.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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 a week for food and $200 a week for personal expenses (I traveled a lot)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work your butt off the summer before you go and have a solid 6k to work with for the semester. You don't want to have to be worrying about money while your over here and you want to be able to enjoy yourself.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 2
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you give it your best effort you will figure it out. Just work hard at it.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living in a castle and close to a great city
  • The social scene AKA the bars and my soccer team
  • I had no distractions and could give 100% focus to the experience and my academics
* What could be improved?
  • American TV channels
  • Another dryer (only 1 for a lot of people)
  • Better lounge for kids to hang in (there is one but it is way in the basement and us US college kids are lazy)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really. Just come with an open mind and don't be afraid to dive in.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

German

Course Department: Language
Instructor: Anni Taylor
Instruction Language: English
Comments: If you actually want to learn German while studying in German this class is the best possible option available. It is hard, and there is A LOT of content you have to learn. However, if you are dedicated and motivated to learn a foreign language this is the perfect class. A number of different learning strategies are offered and academic success is achievable. This is one of those classes where your level of effort equals your performance.
Credit Transfer Issues: