Trier: An eye opening view of my American peers Past Review
By Laura S (Archeology., Western Washington University) for
ISEP Exchange: Trier - Exchange Program at Universität Trier
I have already made several trips to Germany, and have hosted a German exchange student for a year before I made the choice to study abroad here, so I wouldn't say that my perception has really changed, just been clarified. My academic interests have not really changed, my choice to not study classical archaeology has just been reinforced.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | none |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Professor's office hours were very limited. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My advisor was much better suited to dealing with students going to Japan because he has spent so much time there, and usually referred me to my coordinator in Germany for questions, and sometimes didn't answer my emails at all, although I'm sure this was unintentional. He did however try his best to help me ask my German coordinator questions, and even helped me formulate an email. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was arranged for me by the ISEP program. It was about a fifteen minute walk from downtown, and all of the night life, but in order to get to class I had to make a fifteen minute walk to the twenty minute bus ride. I needed my own cleaning supplies for my sink, laundry detergent, and dishes, all though the international student center gave us the opportunity to take free dishes provided by them if we chose. Our dorm also had a nice courtyard where people were continuously grilling, so it always smelled nice. |
| * Food: |
I bought my own food with my stipend every month, but on the occasions when I did eat on campus there was always a vegetarian option (very important to someone who doesn't eat meat). There were always plenty of other places to eat as well for those who don't enjoy cafeteria food, there's a cafe on campus with a salad bar, and even a couple of restaurants where you can get a beer, and something to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Altstadt fest was a wonderful experience. The whole city of Trier is covered in food vendors and stadiums for an entire weekend, and there is music from eight until around midnight every night. It was a great opportunity to hear all sorts of music, dance with friends, and hang out with my buddy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had absolutely no safety issues during my trip. I got a cold once toward the beginning, but it lasted about four days, and then I was healthy the rest of the trip. I didn't need any special vaccines. Germany is on a state run healthcare system where it only costs 10 euros for every doctors visit plus the cost of what ever medicine you are prescribed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people speak English, but I used my interactions with the locals in the stores to practice my language skills. There is also a buddy program, in which exchange students, and university students are paired together so that exchange students have an easier time getting to know other students. The program is however voluntary, and once you're assigned a partner it's up to you and your partner how much time you spend together, and what language you speak. I also practiced my language skills with my professors, and faculty on campus. Most of my peers chose to speak with me in English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think students with two to three years of German would benefit most from this particular placement because the foreign language courses really emphasis grammar, and there are plenty of classes in a variety of subjects taught in English so they need not feel overwhelmed in regular courses taught in German. I would reccomend that those joining this program sign up for a buddy before they leave, and take advantage of every opportunity to join extra curricular activities from the beginning no matter how nervous they are about their language skills. It will make your experience much more fulfilling, and you'll get to know more locals. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Landeskunde |
| Course Department: | Germanistik-Fachbereich II (DaF) |
| Instructor: | Ruth Fröhling |
| Instruction Language: | German |
| Comments: | I enjoyed that the students were provided the choice over which historical, and cultural information would be covered during the course. Every course was a new topic, and a new chance to discuss personal opinions, and thoughts about what was going on in Germany. I really enjoyed the challenge. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I would suggest that you look at the course lists before you leave, and discuss with your home institution professors what classes would work best with your field, and your home program. It will make things much easier when you return. |
