Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience I Will Never Forget Past Review

By (Finance, 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 the importance of seeing things through different perspectives. I also got to see just how interconnected the worlds financial markets are by visiting the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Deutsche Bundesbank. My semester abroad was entirely worthwhile and I would do it again if I had the chance.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some of the courses were difficult, however the professors were very approachable and available to help students outside of class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was absolutely fantastic. They were very accommodating and incredibly helpful with any concerns that students had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Beautiful and historic villa in a convenient part of Heidelberg. The European Study Center (ESC) has everything a student can possibly need in order to make the most of his/her time abroad.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social and cultural integration was entirely up to the individual students. A student's time abroad is what he/she makes of it. That said, I believe I integrated rather well with the local German culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Heidelberg is an incredibly safe city. Never once did I feel unsafe, even when walking alone at night. That being said, there is always potential for crime. Students should always be aware of their surroundings.

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? Roughly $150 per week when not traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always keep the euro/dollar exchange rate in mind and plan accordingly. Prioritize the things that you want to do and see while abroad and plan accordingly.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 101
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn how to order at a restaurant in the local language. Utilize online language learning software. Read the labels on products while at stores, especially grocery stores.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The spectacular views
  • The authentic German food
  • The ability to learn German
* What could be improved?
  • Wi-Fi
  • cooking supplies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done some more research about German culture. I quickly learned important cultural differences, but doing some prior research could have prevented some awkward situations.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!