Worth It Past Review

By (University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 07/02/2019 to 08/02/2019 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Summer Program in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is too big to stay cornered in one area, exploring and discovery is a must

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.

I enjoyed my stay at the European Study Center a lot and I highly recommend coming to heidelberg to study abroad it was truly a unique experience

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Germany offers an amazing experience as far as education goes I found it very different from the United States but I believe I liked it a little bit more

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was cute and cozy it made it feel like I wasn't on the other side of the world

* Food:

Germany offers a diverse selection for food, being a vegetarian I was nervous about visiting but to my surprise It was so easy to find plant-based options

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very interesting getting to meet a lot of the german students and seeing that though we are from different countries we arent so different after all

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Apothekes are located very close to the school so finding medical assistance wasn't difficult at all

* Safety:

I feel way safer in Heidelberg Germany than I ever did in San Antonio Texas

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

I love heidelberg! I plan on coming back for sure and visiting the study center !

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)

I would advise to save up if you plan on traveling elsewhere but other than that it was easy to save up money on groceries and expenses

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40-50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you cant buy it twice, you cant afford it

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

We spoke german almost everyday!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Never took a german course
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? Get out there and start speaking to people

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Hospitality
  • Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions
  • Communication
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much Id want to stay here after

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.