Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a great experience to learn to be more independent and confident. Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/22/2017 to 11/16/2017 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have gained the confidence to do things, such as travel, on my own without feeling that I need to be dependent on someone else to help me along. I have a new found confidence in myself and my abilities, which is invaluable.

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.

Fair amount of work

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems with healthcare

* Safety:

I always feel comfortable in the area

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program did a very good job at helping me to adjust, which was much more difficult than I thought it would be in the beginning.

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)

My parents help pay for food. I generally cook instead of going out to eat, the closest grocery store is very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately 50 Euro a week,if I am not traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook instead of eating out

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
  • Other
* 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?
  • The classes were well organized
  • The excursions were informative about many different aspects of German culture.
  • The staff did a great job at making me feel comfortable.
* What could be improved?
  • Some way of allowing interaction with locals to be easier
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish my German language skills were better, but I am constantly working to improve them.

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.'