Der schönste Monat meines Lebens Past Review

By (Telecommunications Systems Management, Murray State University) - abroad from 05/28/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

KIIS: Bregenz - Experience Bregenz (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a further knowledge of the German language, as well as Europe itself. Every program has been worthwhile.

Review Photos

KIIS: Bregenz - Experience Bregenz (Summer) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The most academically intensive program I've had so far.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The cat hair on the furniture was a bit bothersome when trying to keep your clothes clean, but the cats themselves were wonderful!

* Food:

Austrian food is just as amazing as German 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:

Could walk around alone very late at night without any feeling of danger

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)

Breakfast and dinner were provided, so living on a student's budget was very easy on this program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250+ (includes weekend travels)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy as many souvenirs as I did!

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

Used it daily

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GER110
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Weekend travels
  • Instructors
* What could be improved?
  • The weather! (less rain)
  • Longer stay
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that it was going to rain for the entirety of the first 2 weeks!

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!