small and new school, english-speaking, good location and transportation Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses I chose weren't particularly difficult, but I want to be honest in saying that I wasn't aiming to get stellar grades either - I was looking to take interesting classes that I thought would balance out my most difficult class, Biochemistry (with lab). The classes that I took here were generally easier than the ones taken at my home university, Wellesley College. One area where Jacobs impressed me was its flexibility - when exchange students had logistical issues regarding their courses (promised course was not taught in English, or students needed a particular lab to be included with their course, or students needed to do extra work to get extra credits) Jacobs was flexible and tried to accommodate these needs. Jacobs opened up special lecture and lab sections for the students who needed them, instructed the professors that some of the exchange students needed to do extra work, and tried to help with scheduling conflicts.

On-site administration of your program

The program, from Jacobs' side, was administered well - I believe Jacobs did everything they could do to help the exchange students. Yuliya, from the international office, worked tirelessly to help us beginning from before we stepped food in Germany to offering to take students out to the Christmas Market at the end of the semester as a final get-together. She was readily available when we had questions and played a big role in coordinating field trips and get-togethers.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved it - perhaps I may have been happier in a different dorm, but in all the room we all had was more than I could have asked for. Every student is guaranteed a single that is conjoined with one other single with shared bathroom and entry area in the middle. Compared to a normal dorm, there is a bit more responsibility involved (stocking toilet paper, maintaining cleanliness), but a LOT more freedom involved, especially if you are used to living in the regular double (sharing one room with a roommate). The room is relatively large with new furnishings, two easy to open windows, a large desk, PLENTY of storage space (cabinets, drawers, wardrobe, overhead and under-bed), mirror, and radiator. The mattress is comfy, and a pillow and comforter are provided as well (you just need to either buy your own cover sheets from either the International Office, or from a nearby supermarket like Marktkauf. The room comes with enough that ensures you don't have to pay much out of pocket for things that you will likely only be using for one semester (i.e. sheets, that you probably will not bring from home because the sizes are different).

I thought the food served in the serveries was very average compared to the food at home - there are around 5 serveries, but each serve exactly the same meal (varying by small bites such as cereal, types of juice, dessert). The meal plan was also restricting for some - several times we were told a certain entree was vegetarian when it, in fact, was not. There isn't anything put in place for those with allergens - no rules about not sharing tongs, or putting certain things in the toaster. I also saw a servery worker to push a piece of food that had fallen out of the tray back in.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A little integrated in that my host family was very kind in letting me in and trying to teach me some german customs and traditions. Otherwise, since the program is very international, I didn't really feel like I was in Germany unless I left campus grounds, which wasn't often.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare system is reportedly great - a classmate had took advantage of the system and got her wisdom teeth extracted. I personally wasn't able to take advantage of the health care system though I did pay the insurance. Other concern was previously mentioned regarding allergies - I wish they were more regulated.

It's safe given that there are patrols at night and a locked gate, which I don't understand since two sides of the campus is locked - the main entrance is open to all. I'd also argue that there is work to be done: Jacobs says it is a non smoking area but there is a cigarette dispensing machine right near the entrance by the porters office, and there is often, if not always, students smoking in the entrances of the dorms. Smoking is there choice, of course, but smoking in the entrance where other people are forced to go through at all times of the day exposes them to a lot of secondhand smoke which is indisputably terrible for one's health.

Only maybe - the biochemistry with Wellesley portion made it worthwhile. I wish the program was in a larger city, and perhaps taught us more general german phrases we could use to get around.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Very easy - didn't have a problem with eating on campus, and the student pass that guaranteed free public transportation within bremen (and to hamburg) was great

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Minimal encouragement

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Europe
• English-speaking
• Clinical Internship

• Credit transferring process
• x
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