Studying in Heidelberg is great, this program may not be the right one Past Review

By (University of Cincinnati) - 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?
I would always recommend studying abroad. I have done it twice and enjoyed it very much both times, however, with this program, it was hard to feel like we were actually part of the German culture and not just American students studying in an American university in Germany.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

We were required to go through the interns when we wanted to see a doctor, on many occasions, however, they seemed to try to downplay our need to go to the doctor and would be very reluctant to take us. This is not the case with all interns as some have been very accommodating.

* Safety:

Heidelberg seems to be a very safe city and the ESC is located in a nice neighbourhood, however, sometimes there have been incidents of the front door being left unlocked late at night meaning anyone could come into the building.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

This program is very unorganized, many things were unclear throughout the semester. There seemed to be a problem organizing classes despite there only being 11 people in the program. Also didn't really get a chance to integrate with German culture as much as I would have liked as we are around other Americans all the time. Even classes at the SRH are mostly filled with international students.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you budget your travel expenses and make sure to take into account how much you would spend in a country you are visiting.

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

  • 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 location of the ESC
  • Meeting new people
  • The safety of Heidelberg
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with students
  • Organization of Program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget money for trips.

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.'