Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My experience at Jacobs opened my eyes to the world! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/23/2012 with

Jacobs University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most worthwhile experience of my life. I learned a lot about myself by being in a place where I knew not one person going in and after 4 months came out with what I hope will be a group of lifelong friends. The best thing about Jacobs is the international community on campus. You learn so much from being in this community- at the dining hall, you can be eating dinner where literally everyone is from a different country and is open to talking about their life experiences. Its really a special place.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? Yes

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? if I stayed on campus, about 10 euros. If I traveled, much more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up beforehand so you have plenty of money to travel while you are abroad! Your money goes a long way when you travel in Europe and its money well spent.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level German 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? Make German friends who will speak German with you and request to be placed with a German roommate! Also, use couchsurfing to make friends with people off campus. If you just stay on campus and dont hang out with Germans you wil never speak the language. You have to go out of your way to speak German and Jacobs but it is possible!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The people- the students came from all over the world and were so friendly and inviting.
  • The classes- unlike many study abroad programs, if you study at Jacobs (in the math or sciences) you will learn A LOT. So its an academically challenging experience as well as a meaningful life experience.
  • The location- Bremen is an hour away from Hamburg and 4 hours away from Berlin, the two biggest and most excitiing cities in Germany. Bremen is also relatively close to Scandinavia and is a great launching point to travel Europe!
* What could be improved?
  • The preparation they give exchange students about how the German university system works is lacking. I thought I didnt have a lot of work because I wasnt getting assignments when in reality I just didnt know that I needed to be preparing for exams on my own time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how the German university system works. Its very different from studying at a small liberal arts college in the US where your hand is held throughout the learning process. At a German university, its all up to you to study and be prepared for your exams. You will rarely get homework assignments or feedback from your professors on how you are doing with the class material. You have to be self motivated and manage your own time and make sure to study on your own!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'