I wish everyone could do this Past Review
By Dominic Z (International Affairs and History, Wagner College) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned how to adjust quickly to different cultures, languages and ideological differences.
Review Photos
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. |
The intensity of the courses was just what was needed. They challenged me, without being so difficult to the point where I couldn't enjoy the experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at IES were always there for me, and I couldn't have asked for more. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment in a trendy district of Berlin with a host, and it was a great experience. I enjoyed the comfort level, location, transport nearby, and the overall level of independence. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself, but IES would provide food or snacks during excursions as well as certain holidays and events. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like a German very quickly, and honestly did not want to go home at the end of the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
For those people who got hurt or sick, they were quickly helped and made sure that they were taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
The city surprised me with the level of safety, security and comfort. I felt safe at any time of the day, whether three in the morning or during mid day. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program made my experience abroad the best it could be. |
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) |
Groceries were very affordable, so food was not an issue. The public transit was a single month pass at first, and then it was free as a student. Just always use bank ATMs and not the tourist ATMs that charge ridiculous fees. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I am unsure, but likely around $15-35 on groceries. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not go out to party every night, check out cheap flights or train services and take busses for short journeys. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were highly encouraged to use our language skills. |
| 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? | 200 level 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? | Use Duolingo, and practice German in public spaces |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more about the people I was going to be there with so we could plan trips better. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
