Becoming a proficient German university student within a semester. Past Review
By Andrew S (Political Science and Government., Providence College) for
Heidelberg University: Heidelberg - American Junior Year Program
I have become fluent in the German language. I studied and practiced my German everyday. It was an extremely rewarding experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My final grade, for 5/6 classes, was determined by a final written exam. For the other, I had a midterm and final exam. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The American Junior Year program resident director abroad was always available for questions and assistance. Very helpful with credit transferring over to PC. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Heidelberg is a very, very safe city. Never once did I feel unsafe. There was a full kitchen in my apartment (3 other German students) where I would occasionally prepare lunch and dinner with my roommates and with my program friends. Local convenience stores are within walking distance of where I live. The University's library was a one minute walk down the street from my apartment. The American Junior Year study center was conveniently located 5 minutes away from my apartment. The Program study center, located on the main street in Heidelberg, is surrounded by excellent German restaurants, hotels, bakeries and cafés. |
| * Food: |
The Mensa (cafeteria) in Heidelberg is superb. Rated serving the best foot in any Mensa all throughout Germany in 2010. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Oktoberfest was an amazing culture experience. The Bavarian culture is very interesting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Extremely safe city. Never once did I feel unsafe. We were all provided with the best medical care while abroad in Germany. No required vaccinations necessary. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Needed to spend a lot of money on food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My roommates, students and professors. Most people in Heidelberg speak English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Understand that all of your classes will be taught in German. It will be difficult but rewarding. |
