Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/02/2020 to 05/01/2020 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad has enabled me to become more independent and adaptable. At first, it is a little frightening traveling across the globe by yourself, but as I have seen, you adapt quickly. Within two weeks, I made a great friend group and we all helped each other with everything (They became my little family away from home). I definitely recommend studying abroad as it is an experience like no other.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your trips in advance, so then you can budget the rest of the money you spend.

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?
  • Encourages students to experience the local life
  • Encourages students to travel over long weekends to experience even more cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Program needs to be more organized
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself not to be nervous about leaving home. This experience has been one I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and has helped me grow as a person.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.