Great Past Review
By Colin Warnes (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 05/21/2016 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned more about being independent and people from different schools. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wish they had classes that were in german but weren't completely advanced. For example, a German cultural class for conversational - advanced German instead of one for completely advanced. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They did their best. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a bit dangerous for Vienna standards and the land lady was very confusing and annoying. Would have been nicer to be in a better location. |
| * Food: |
They food was great. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not feel as though I had the opportunity to be a part in Austrian culture. I even got a language buddy, but she was not able to meet more than twice. |
|
* 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? |
No
I would go to another country as I know think that it was not a good idea to pursue German. |
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? | $50 - $100 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go work beforehand like I did. Will never be enough, but definitely nice to have funds. |
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? | 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? | Above the maximum German language course. |
| 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? | German is a difficult language because most people that speak it speak English. Learn another language. |
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? | 0 |
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? | How little I would be exposed to German and where i would live. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
