My second home in Freiburg Past Review

By (Seton Hall University) - abroad from 02/22/2017 to 07/29/2017 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of language skills that you cannot learn in the classroom setting. I also gained new friends and a lot of independence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Apartment style, living with native Germans, so it helps your German skills a lot.

* Food:

The food in Germany is fantastic, and there is options for people with food allergies and preferences too. We had gluten-free individuals, vegans, and vegetarians on my program, and they all were able to find options at most places.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to visit a healthcare office or hospital during my stay, but I visited a pharmacy a few times for over the counter medication and it was a positive experience and they helped me with finding what I needed.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the program that I partook in, along with the city I studied in.

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 found that Groceries were less expensive in Germany than in the USA.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-75 dollars a week, depending on if I went out to eat or not.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy the produce that is in season, and look at the advertisements at various grocery stores for sales because most dorms are in walking distance to 2-3 grocery stores, that all have different specials each week.

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

We had a language pledge, where if you wrote weekly about your experience with the language you would receive a small prize such as a candy bar, magnet, coaster, or postcard.

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? Advanced German at my college
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? Speak with your roommates and other natives, buy a German book, and watch a film or tv show in German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • German Immersion
  • Internship
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Having the internship class start before the internships begin
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Germany doesn't have folders like in the USA so if you have particular folders or school supplies that you like I recommend you bring it with.

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!