Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Vacation Past Review

By (Whitman College) - abroad from 02/06/2017 to 05/20/2017 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Berlin was incredible. Between having an excellent host-family, taking interesting classes, and exploring the city by myself or with friends I can confidently say my time was well spent. I learned about many aspects of the city, both in class and from first-hand experience, I met really wonderful people, traveled a to places such as Istanbul, St. Petersburg, and Copenhagen and I owe a good amount of that to IES for having such a great program. If you get a chance to go on this program I would absolutely take advantage of it. You'll learn about yourself, gain confidence in your abilities to live in a big city by yourself, and you'll make really wonderful friends as well.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

* 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

Berlin was exactly where I wanted to be, I met amazing people, learned a lot of interesting things about the city and those that live in it, and I got to travel to other countries as well

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? 30-50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep the big picture in mind - you can spend a lot in one night, but try to set weekly limits for yourself so you can consistently have enough money throughout your time abroad. You don't want to run out before you leave.

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? Advanced
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
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? Engage with your host family, try to get a group of friends that are willing to only speak in that foreign language with you at least once or twice a week (this is really helpful because it's super easy to fall back on English if you're always around only english speakers) Play board games in your foreign language

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

  • 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?
  • Helpfulness of the staff
  • Trip to Russia they planned for us
  • Class Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Unfortunately nothing. I felt prepared before I went, I had a great time, and then I returned very satisfied.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.