Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved Heidelberg and would want to ceom back soon! Past Review

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 08/15/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot more self confidence and of course language skills.

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.

The courses were great. I learned so much druing that fall I didn'Ät think I would. The workload was a bit less than at home but the Level was quite high. The teachers were super professional and at the same time very sympathetic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ESC took very well care of us. If there was anything we needed or wanted they were there to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You live in a beautiful mansion, called "Villa Krehl". I really felt like in the heart of Europe in this house.

* Food:

I got used to the German Food although it#s bit too much bread for me. I miss my tacos and burgers :-).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not really meet a lot of Germans because I travelled almost every Weekend. Although the Germans I met very freindly and wanted ot get to know me. Finally, I decided to find a language Partner to imporove my German and learn more about the German cultre. I am still in contact with her!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had to go to the doctor once. There was no Problem with that. She spoke English and oone of the ESC staff accompanied me to make sure everything goes well.

* Safety:

Heidelberg is a super safe place. I think it's one of the safets places in Germany (maybe Europe), yet not boring at all. My parents were pleased when they came to visit.

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

I learned so much during that time about myself and about different cultures, while not being overly challenged.

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 100 $
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wouldn't eat or drink out too much. That's expensive in Germany. I would rather buy groceries at the Supermarket (very inexpensive.)

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

Everything is in English at the ESC. So I dod not use German a lot. However, I found language Partner (German Student) and with her I practiced my German a lot.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Find a language partner!

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 staff was super friendly.
  • The classes were great & the teachers.
* What could be improved?
  • I don't know really. I could have stayed longer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I could have saved asome money if I knew better about the travelling system before I booked the trips. I should have booked them after aarival, because they gave us great tips there.

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!