I love BERLIN Past Review

By (Chemistry., University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/27/2012 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I started learning a language that could help me with my future in the science field.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

It was easy to handle my allergies, they gave me a sheet that told me how to say what i was allergic to in each language of the countries I went to so I wouldn't have any problems.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They would give me maps to show me exactly how to get to the doctor, and made it really easy to deal with the international insurance.

* Safety:

Berlin was really safe, even late at night.

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)

food in Berlin was pretty cheap if you knew where to go, but i spent a lot of money on stuff, plus there was the exchange rate.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE!!

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? flash cards

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 field trips
* What could be improved?
  • the time given for final papers wasn't long enough.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did know this but didn't believe it.. Pack lighter.