Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiencing Abroad Past Review

By (German and International Studies, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 03/01/2014 to 07/25/2014 with

Karlsruhe University of Education: Karlsruhe - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself as an individual and my country. I have no regrets for my study abroad experience

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.

Academically the biggest challenge was the language

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Office in Karlsruhe was open and friendly. Their office hours can make it difficult to get in touch with them at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Studentin Wohnheim was cheap and nice. There were only some small things that could have been issues.

* Food:

Food is always good in Germany. The cafeteria however is no very good though it is really cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people are very friendly and open.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was in the hospital at one point and found all the healthcare professionals very friendly and patient. They also worked hard to make sure that I understood everything that was going on. The Insurance company was also friendly and super helpful and affordable.

* 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)

With the Badden-Wurttemburg Stipend we were able to pay for rent, insurance and have about twenty euros for groceries each week. It was tight living but manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between twenty and thirty euros for living expenses each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead and make a monthly budget

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? 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? 301/302 Literature classes in the German Language
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? Do not be afraid to be assertive and ask the people to speak the language back to you. When they realize you are a native English speaker they want to speak English so push the fact that you are trying to learn their 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

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked learning the language the most.
* What could be improved?
  • More assistance in helping Internationals choose their classes
  • More language component could be added
  • Separating students based off their language abilities for the language courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had realized how many "just twenty euros" fees there would be.

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!