Study Abroad in Freiburg: The best decision that I have ever made Past Review
By Maia (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/19/2016 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union
It was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done. I learned so much, made a ton of great friends, and visited so many places. Most of all, I became more independent and confident in myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were interesting and challenging, which was largely due to all the great instructors. Having travel incorporated in the courses helped solidify everything I learned and made my experience even better. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site staff were very attentive and helpful. Right from the beginning, they made an effort to get to know each of us and it truly felt like they cared about everyone. They were always open to feedback, and wanted to do all they could to ease the transition and help us enjoy our semester. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My friend cut her hand and I accompanied her to the hospital. I was surprised at how easy the process was given the language barrier. |
| * Safety: |
Like any other city, it is important to be smart and aware of your surroundings. That being said, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking around Freiburg. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program turned out to be the best decision that I have ever made. I was a little hesitant at first because I didn't have any desire to visit Germany and I thought I would prefer an internship. But the second I arrived in Freiburg, I had no doubts. |
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) |
In Freiburg, it was very easy to stay on a budget and not spend a lot because everything was pretty inexpensive. But all the travel did make it difficult sometimes. Some cities were more expensive than others and you weren't always able to cook for yourself, not to mention souvenirs and admission fees. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | In Freiburg, 30 Euros but if we were on an excursion it was anywhere between 30-60 Euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Prioritize and plan for all the traveling. Take advantage of having access to a kitchen in Freiburg, so you have money to spend on eating out and shopping when you are in other cities. Group dinners are fun and good for saving money. Also wursts at the Munster market are 2.50 and are a great lunch/snack. |
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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Don't be embarrassed to speak the language to people. The worst thing that will happen is that respond in english or look at you funny, but they will appreciate you for trying. |
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? | 0 |
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? | Given that the program is made up of mostly Americans and all the travel, cultural immersion will take a little more effort than you think. Also research German weather more, it will still be hot during September so pack accordingly. |
