semester of a lifetime March 28, 2022

By (Chemistry/Biochemistry, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2021 to 12/22/2021 with

Jacobs University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I learned a lot about myself and grew so much. Going to a new country, not knowing anyone, not speaking the language and having to figure it out as you go made me such much more confident and eager to integrate. I gained new perspectives having met people from all around the world. I gained life experience, travel experience, and friends that mean the world to me. Best decision of my life so far.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were beyond interesting. I felt like they were very much geared toward gaining an international point of view and exposed me to ideas and topics that I'd never before discussed which really challenged my way of thinking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a transition between International office administration mid semester which made communication difficult, but once the new office director came in, she was beyond understanding and accommodating. She was willing and helpful to work with on any problem or question we encountered and I'm really grateful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing accommodation was stellar. Had my own room with a bathroom that I shared with my suite mate. It was comfortable, had everything I needed. Much better than my home university. The college office that ran the residential life was also super helpful, available and involved in every day life in the residential hall.

* Food:

The coffee bar was stellar but was quite expensive. The dining hall food was okay, I think COVID situation certainly affected the quality of the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I didn't speak any German, I found it very easy to communicate in English or with translation apps in the city of Bremen. I attended town events, made friends with German natives and learned a lot about the history and culture in Bremen. It's such a wonderful city with so many museums and places to visit.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While only limited to one experience personally, using my helath insurance and going to the closest doctor's office was very easy and hassle free. I contacted the international office at JUB about where to go and they were super helpful. The doctor's office was very understanding, walking distance to campus and I got what I needed no problem. I know of friends who used it it more and they found it super easy top navigate the healthcare system.

* Safety:

Like anywhere, never walk alone at night, but overall I felt very safe in the city center. Pick pocketing is very common and a number of my friends had their phones stolen in the city at night so definitely be ware of your surroundings and your valuables at all times.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program offered me everything I needed academically which made it easier to enjoy because I knew I was still fulfilling my graduation and academic requirements while experiencing the study abroad life. I made so many friends and really became integrated into campus life. The people I met were so instrumental in my time there and I felt adopted into the family. Traveling was so easy from Germany, the semester ticket was so helpful and I had the best time exploring Europe with my new fiends. Created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

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)

Germany is quite an expensive country, going out to eat wasn't cheap if you didn't know where to go. Essentials were average priced and there were multiple places within walking distance or short bus rides form campus to get groceries and what not. I would certainly advise planning for about 75 euros a week if you're staying in Bremen.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? use a spreadsheet to keep track because it will make you more conscious of what you're spending

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • traveling
  • friends
  • campus life
* What could be improved?
  • school's administrative communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Going in without expectations or anything planned was the best way to approach study abroad. Especially with COVID, things were changing all the time which made it hard to plan sometimes, but led to the best surprises. Everything was unexpected and wonderful. Make the most of your time because it will come to an end before you know it.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'