Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A European Adventure: My Semester in Germany January 04, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2021 to 12/23/2021 with

Jacobs University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile overall. I learned how to navigate public transport independently in a language other than English. I gained proficiency in carrying out basic conversations in German and accomplishing everyday tasks, like buying groceries or ordering food at restaurants. And I think the most important aspect of my experience was having the chance to interact with students at my host university and learn about their lives and backgrounds.

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German A1.1
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Getting to meet host university students from around the world
  • Having opportunities to travel
  • Getting to join clubs/organizations at the host university
* What could be improved?
  • Reliability of communication with the Jacobs International Office
  • Lack of reimbursement for temporary residence permit (56 euros)
  • Pickup from airport - a taxi or shuttle would have been helpful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Germany is very bureaucratic and paper-driven, much more so than I thought. Most official processes required that I go to a physical office location with printed documents. Also, smaller businesses often don't accept major credit cards like Visa or Mastercard, which was surprising.

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!