The Experience of a Lifetime in 2 Countries August 25, 2022

By (Nursing, Berea College) - abroad from 06/17/2022 to 07/14/2022 with

KIIS: Berlin - Experience Berlin (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I love to travel with groups of people my own age.

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 rigor was to be expected from a four week summer course. I went on the KIIS Berline Barcelona Trip. It was two weeks in each country. My communications class was fun but I had a ton of busy work to do.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We did not have much interaction with the host country administration. We were taught by the KIIS professors. However, our tour guides were extremely knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish that we were closer to the city/ beach in Barcelona. We were 45 mins away from many places that we wanted to explore. However, I enjoyed the A/C in Barcelona because there was none in Berlin. Also, I liked how we were in dorm rooms because I could walk to everyone's room on the same hall.

* Food:

I did not care for the food in either country. Their food is healthier and not as processed as here so it was an adjustment.

* 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 enjoyed meeting everyone from KIIS. We made so many memories and enjoyed our time together,

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook if you can. Try not to eat out every night.

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? 4 years of Spanish
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? try an app to learn phrases

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • People
  • Friendliness
* What could be improved?
  • Courses could have less work
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have budgeted my money on food better.