Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Acceptance Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 02/28/2016 to 07/01/2016 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more than imaginable about myself and what I need in order to make myself happy.

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.

We had class on average four hours a day, which made doing homework everyday taxing since we were already in the classroom for so long. But, the workload was doable and the assignments were given well in advance so that way students knew what they needed to get done by when. People say studying abroad the academic side is way easier, but I thought my program had different difficulties than my homeschool experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I thought the housing was very dirty and unsanitary, especially compared to other IES Abroad programs housing in other countries.

* Food:

I had to make basically all of my meals, which was completely different from what I had ever experienced. But, I think it was a good thing though because it prepared me for the real world.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At the beginning of my program, there were lots of activities that got us involved in the community and I really enjoyed those! They only lasted for the first month though, which was my complaint.

* 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? No

The program was just different from what I was expecting for my abroad experience. I did not realize how lonely of an experience it was going to be. I do appreciate the friends that I made that helped me get through my time abroad, but I don't think that is how the experience should be. It should not be something you are just getting through, it should be something you don't want to end. However, I will say that I did not realize how much I was going to miss Freiburg until I got on the plane to leave.

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)

I thought that it was easy, you just have to be mindful and conscious of what you're spending your money on. Traveling can be difficult, but as long as you stay in hostels I think you can make your study abroad experience affordable. Also, make a budget is key!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-60 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I brought pictures from home which helped make my dorm room feel more homey, instead of purchasing things abroad that you might not be able to take home.

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? Learn as much as you can before you go abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • My classes
  • The administrators and teachers
  • The ability to travel a lot
* What could be improved?
  • The housing situations
  • Informing students of the loneliness factor before going abroad
  • Keeping up activities for students to do with other students throughout the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More details about how different it is than American culture: loneliness, not much interaction between roommates, and the language barrier and the frustration that can entail. I did not like the schooling schedule that my program had, three week intensive courses. I know this is something that no one has any control over, but the weather was horrible and we were told that Freiburg was the sunniest city in Germany. But, we did not see the sunlight till June.

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.