Study Abroad in Heidelberg: Worth it despite all the hassle. Past Review

By (Biology and German, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 03/01/2013 to 07/26/2013 with

Heidelberg University: Heidelberg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes weren't rigorous but there was a large selection of classes to choose from.

* 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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the Triplex Mensa, they have the cheapest food. (The food isn't good but it's what you pay for)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German literature?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your german roommates in german, they're very friendly and are willing to help you with your mistakes. Also do the Tandem course, that allows you to talk one on one with a German native each week for an hour.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More help with going over required documents
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was told the actual dates of my program a good deal ahead instead of being told about a month and a half before.