A journey of growth and joy Past Review
By Zhuoya Z (German Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/05/2018 to 07/21/2018 with
IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learnt a lot both academically and personally. Here I had my first art history and I really enjoyed, because we had many field trips to museums and galleries and the professor is so nice and wonderful. Personally, the experience is quite unforgettable, because I had my 20th birthday here in Berlin. Moreover, I learnt to be more independent, taking care of myself and my friends during those six weeks. There were tough times for instance during finals and midterms when we felt exhausted and some missed home and families we really supported each other and asked if everyone was doing okay. In the end we've all become very close friends and I am very sure those happy days we had together will always be in our memories.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host matching survey worked really well. My host is wonderful. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Berlin is very international. The people there are really friendly and they can speak very good English. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Nighttime there are people drunk on the subway. Overall, it is very safe to live in Berlin. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I enjoy the city very much, because it is very international and the life here is full of interesting activities, such as museums, galleries, clubs, gardens and wonderful food. Even six weeks was't enough for me to try all the things I want to go. The overall experience is wonderful and I enjoyed so much :) |
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) |
It depends on the person. I don't cook very often and I eat out nearly everyday, so the budget wasn't so easy. |
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 usually practice German in class but not so often in really life, because people can speak very good English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | beginner II |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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 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? | The history of the city |
