A Fairytale City with a Great Host Program Past Review

By (Sociology, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about American culture and how we, as Americans, are viewed abroad. It's truly impossible to gain that experience without stepping outside of your homeland first.

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.

Classes are easier than my home University. The teachers are nice and helpful otherwise.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing might be one of the biggest pulls of choosing this program. Situated in a quiet neighborhood of the picturesque Heidelberg, a beautiful converted mansion serves as the living quarters for all students upstairs, while the downstairs areas are classrooms and administration. Only a five minute tram ride away from the city center, the ESC housing situation is possibly the best in Europe.

* Food:

There are two full kitchens for students to cook themselves meals in.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Several excursions were planned to integrate us into the local culture including festivals, a wine tasting, and a general tour of the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Heidelberg is one of the safest places I've ever been in my life. It feels like you stepped into a fairytale.

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)

Food in Heidelberg is remarkably cheaper than in the States, and it was very easy to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a really low price.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €50 - €100

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Housing
  • Location
  • Administration's Helpfulness
* What could be improved?
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Diversity of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather in Germany is much more mild than in the states. I only brought out my winter coat half way through December.