Getting to know people, places, and myself by taking on a new language Past Review
By A student (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/22/2017 to 06/23/2017 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies
I learned that I can push myself in new ways. I learned that there are ways of life that are different -- in small and big ways -- from those I'm used to here. I learned that friendship means different things in different cultures. I came to see different ways societies can be structured. I learned how to adapt when I remove just about everything that is familiar -- friends, family, societal structure & norms, religious community, language. I had amazing moments connecting with local students who came from all over German and all over the world -- whose experiences were so different and so similar. I learned that by acknowledging and embracing what I don't yet know, I enable myself to improve by liberating myself from the embarrassment of not knowing.
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. |
All of the classes were in German! That was quite a challenge! But the content itself (if it had been in English) was very easy. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in an apartment with students who are enrolled full-time in the actual universities there. Became very close with two of the people I lived with - one undergrad from Germany and one masters physics student from India. The student from Germany's family invited me to spend Easter with them, and living with these 5 students who live full-time in Freiburg led to many similarly amazing opportunities. An amazing and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. (Not everyone had as amazing a relationship with their roommates as I did, but as far as my experience, my housing was one of the highlights) |
| * Food: |
Produce is so affordable in Germany & in Freiburg! You can make whatever you want for very little! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with full-time students at the university made integration natural. |
|
* 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | 103 |
| 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? | Music. German versions of your favorite musicals or movie-musicals. German radio in the mornings. Speak it! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Most people come to this program being VERY GOOD at German. Some have spoken their whole lives, some since middle school. I came in with barely the minimum, and it was REALLY hard. I wish I had known how much German knowledge was expected |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
