Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My EU Experience Past Review

By (Santa Clara University) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more than I thought possible about the EU, which is the focus of the program. I also feel like I am much, much more streetwise in an international setting, and will be more confident travelling in the future.

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

This program is an extremely unique opportunity for two reasons. The first is that it is so focused on a single topic: the European Union's history and structure. The second is that the cross-continent field trips such as to the European Parliament in Strasbourg or to the rest of the EU government in Brussels are built into your classes. You really won't get this opportunity anywhere else.

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? Possibly $100. Sometimes less.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use FlixBus instead of flying or a train.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? IB German.
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? If you really don't want to speak German, then don't, because you don't have to. But honestly, the basic words (such as those used in a restaurant or store) are so easy that there isn't a good reason not to learn them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • My favorite aspect was the travel that was built in to the program.
  • I liked fact that the classes were centralized, with other Americans, and in English.
  • Freiburg is a very cozy, enjoyable city - not overwhelming at all.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there was more of an emphasis on interacting with German culture/language.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how different the stores are in Germany. It's a completely different system than the Walmart/Costco paradigm in America. There is a much more limited selection in each store, because they are more specialized for certain products. For example, you can not purchase over the counter medicine without going to a pharmacy and requesting it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!