Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most amazing, entertaining, unforgettable four months of my life. Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to accept things outside my comfort zone and my perspective on life drastically changed for the better. I learned that people on the whole really do have good intentions and are willing to help others in time of need (directions for example). I also learned how to become more culturally accepting and am not more open minded.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

N/a

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved the cultural atmosphere and grew to take on some daily heidelberg activities of the locals. For example, working out at the local gym every morning, grocery shopping, and walking and shopping along the Main Street daily.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any issue but there were highly contagious skin infections contracted by a handful of students that was not addressed properly. The seriousness of the issue should have been taken more seriously.

* Safety:

Extremely safe neighborhood

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 200€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If given a second chance I would have budgeted my money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • excursions around Germany
  • making friends who turned family
  • living in Heidelberg
* What could be improved?
  • the organizations of administration
  • information/grades regarding classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what to bring prior to leaving. I overpacked. I also wish I knew how fast it was going to go and I wish I had taken tons more pictures.

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.