Best decision of my college experience so far Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

Jacobs University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's studying abroad in more than just Germany - an international university is like seeing the world without having to spend the money to travel the world

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors are less available than at Wellesley because Jacobs is a research institution and research takes priority over students. The work load is similar to that of Wellesley, depending on which department courses are taken in. I learned a lot, Jacobs is a valuable academic experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad coordinator is AMAZING and will help with any problems or questions

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

So much better than Wellesley. Nice rooms, private bathrooms!

* Food:

Less options than Wellesley

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Jacobs is often described as a "bubble", but the experience with local culture can be as little or as much as one wants.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

German insurance is amazing and easy to obtain. Many English speaking doctors!

* Safety:

Very safe, no problems

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)

Free public transportation, meal plan is included

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

Everyone on campus speaks English and few speak German - only encouragement was in German class, but I researched in a lab and my supervisor and I spoke German together.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 236
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? Get off campus or make German friends

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The international makeup of the student body
* What could be improved?
  • Jacobs is a bubble
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it's very easy to forget that I'm abroad and to stay on campus instead of exploring

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!