Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wellesley at Jacobs Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/22/2016 with

Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I saw how other countries function differently from the US, and how social norms differ by country. I got to travel to many countries and meet people from all over the world. From being away for a semester, I also came to appreciate Wellesley and the people at Wellesley more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Having two Wellesley classes available to take at Jacobs, biochemistry and physical chemistry, was a huge part of the success of the program. Many of us would not have been able to study abroad had this not been an option. However, the courses taught by Jacobs faculty were definitely lacking in both rigor and intellectual stimulation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at Jacobs was disorganized and not very efficient. For example, their registrar/student records office was only open on select days of the week with limited hours. However, the international office at Jacobs put in a lot of effort towards making our time there the best it could be, and I greatly appreciated their work.

* 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

I would choose Jacobs again because it gave me the opportunity to take major classes while abroad. I was able to take two lab courses, something that is very rare for study abroad programs.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

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

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Having a Wellesley professor at Jacobs
  • English taught classes
* What could be improved?
  • Transfer of credit back to Wellesley
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more German before going on the program.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!