Just one more semester... Past Review
By Nathalie R (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I made a lot of friends, gained a lot of educational experience from working in a research lab and taking graduate level courses, and also was exposed to a lot of culture and diversity without traveling far from the university.
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. |
|
|
* 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) |
I definitely had a nice spending budget that allowed me to do more traveling and splurging than a student with an average budget. But I wouldn't say it was very much. Had I done a better job of budgeting and tracking my expenses the funds would've lasted me longer. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan travels when in advance. Sometimes you can get lucky and find cheap travel arrangements, but it is best to have things figured out before. Also I would try my best to pack meals from the serveries. It saves a bunch and you'd be surprised how full bread can make you. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Two semesters of introductory German |
| 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? | Just get out there and get lost without your phones. Ask questions. Embarrass yourselves. People will appreciate your efforts. |
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 |
|
|
* 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? |
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? | I would be more careful with time management and balancing my schedule. It is nice to explore new cities and locations but also great to stay on campus and be with friends. |
