Freiburg Fun Past Review

By (German Studies, Gettysburg College) - abroad from 02/24/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to do things for myself more so than I had before. It's much different knowing that you don't have family anywhere near you, it teaches you to make bigger decisions for yourself without input from your parents.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money at bars

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? 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? 306
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Field Trips
  • Friends
  • Instructors
* What could be improved?
  • Transcripts sent sooner
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it rained quite a bit there, I would have taken better advantage of the sunny days to do outdoor activities. The Black Forest is right there, but it rained every time I planned to take a hike.