I'm definitely going back! Past Review

By (International Business., Cologne Business School) - abroad from 01/03/2011 to 06/21/2013 with

Hamline University: Cologne - Cologne Business School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would definitely agree that the program was worth it because it was something new and I enjoy new experiences.

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.

Different style of learning as well as testing I had to adapt to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really enjoyed the administration staff at the Cologne Business School. I felt welcomed when I first walked in and when I had a problem somebody was always around to point me to the right direction.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family, I still keep in touch with today.

* Food:

Over all I enjoyed the food, more healthy then my usual American diet. Drinks even better! I give the beers 10 stars!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed meeting other international students, many I still keep in touch with today as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to Cologne with a torn ACL on my right knee, so I wasn't very active, but I didn't have any problems with any healthcare.

* 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? Personally I learned to save in Europe so about 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'm not the guy that usually plans on how I spend my money, but when studying aboard YOU MUST HAVE SOME TYPE OF PLAN and watch the exchange rates!!

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

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? None
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? Memorize!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 other international students.
  • Cologne.
  • Internship!
* What could be improved?
  • More tours!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The language and more about the culture.