Immersive and Life-Changing Study Abroad in Freiburg September 14, 2023
By Peter W (History, German Studies, Gettysburg College) - abroad from 02/27/2023 to 07/22/2023 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies
I made lifelong friends and grew a lot during this semester. It was definitely worthwhile, because my German improved dramatically and I met a lot of people who changed my worldview. It was a unique program with more opportunities than most.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Strong course material, immersive excursions, German language focus |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful and supportive staff |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great opportunity to live with German students |
| * Food: |
Excellent cafeteria for University students |
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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? |
Unfortunately my operation was not covered by IES's insurance provider |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The size of the program and the city itself made the semester unforgettable. I made lifelong friends and fell in love with the city. Its an ideal program for students who are willing to reach out and try new things. You have to make the most of this experience. |
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) |
Depends solely on the flexibility of the student i.e. cooking for yourself and eating out. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$120 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself and take advantage of the cafeteria. Use of a drying rack for clothes. |
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 |
Courses were in German and staff encouraged German practice. |
| 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? | German 451 |
| 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? | Encourage your friends to use German outside of class. Find German friends who are willing to speak a mix of German and English. Get a tandem partner to practice weekly. |
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? |
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? | The time will be limited, enjoy 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 LinguistYou 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! |
