Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ton of fun July 20, 2026

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/07/2026 with

IES Abroad Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned how to travel Europe on my own and get out of my comfort zone. Very worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Perfect Abroad level of academic rigor. Good for having a breath to also explore, while also learning and getting a semesters worth of learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Super kind staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Absolutely 11/10

* Food:

No dining plan. Affordable

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Plugged in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Friend went to ER for allergies. I was fine, seemed good.

* Safety:

Pretty safe for a major city, just a lot of homelessness.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Friends made
  • Housing
  • Academic level
* What could be improved?
  • Slightly more organized
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take Flixbus within countries, city to city

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.