An Awesome experience, the time of my college life!!! Past Review
By A student (Finance and Marketing, St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 01/01/2013 with
Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences: Ingolstadt - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Definitely worth while. I recommend the program to everyone thinking about going abroad. I made friends form all around the world and learned a lot about myself. The learning was also much different helping for future classes in America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was and will be the best time I have in college. Not only from the social aspect but you grow as a person as you meet people from around the world, learn to put yourself out there. Your constantly going out of your comfort zone which helps you grow and the classes and learning are very different, there is so much more flexibility and idea generation on your own. I loved it!!! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
For the most part professors were very good, but there may be one or two that are just not as organized as what your use too. Also signing up for exams some students had issues, I didn't, but they always get things resolved. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were ideal. Living in a medieval part of ingolstadt was great! At first it seemed as if you were in a movie, but then later you just appreciate the opportunity you have right there. How many people get to say they lived in a city hundreds of years old???? Not many! The Flat itself was great. Lots of people and not a lot of kitchen room, but everyone was so great it didn't matter. |
| * Food: |
German food is the best!!! I had real Bayern food about 1 or twice a month because it is a little spending but its so delicious. Bayern is the state we lived in, while in Germany. Also I traveled to Italy and Paris and loved their food as well. Everything is just a little bit different which is added to the fun. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was living in the heart of an old city and felt very integrated with the culture. Trying to speak the language always helps, everyone was very friendly and liked seeing you try. I also met many German students who are very welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
SCSU provided us with insurance that covers just about anything. A friend of mine broke his hand while over there while playing football and had no issues getting things taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
Simply put: The safest city I have ever lived in. I didn't hear of one crime the entire time I was there. It was extremely safe at night as well, walking around from bars and clubs. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Living is very affordable, its the going out that adds up so watch how much your going out to bars, clubs, and restaurants. Also traveling, pick your favorite destinations. About one or two countries a month for a weekend is very duable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | A lot, I had money took out loans and wasn't looking back. haha |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work lots over the summer before if you can. If you can get about 15hrs a week during the school year do that as well. Then take out any loans you think you might need and don't look back. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | Be willing to travel alone if there is somewhere you really want to go, but no one else will. Its more common than you would think. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
