I loved my experience, because Berlin is culturally-rich. Past Review
By A student (Biology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 04/14/2015 to 07/20/2015 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Berlin
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My German improved greatly, I made wonderful friends, and I learned how to assimilate in a new culture.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were not provided much information regarding the dorm situation prior to our arrival. The dorms were very far away from central Berlin. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It was easy to live on a student budget because Berlin is inexpensive compared to other cities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100+ (especially if I purchased event tickets) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Certain grocery stores (Lidle, Penny, etc.) are MUCH cheaper than others (Kaiser's). You can have three home cooked meals for 4 days by spending 8 euros at Lidl - I did this. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 1 1/2 years |
| 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? | Rosetta Stone might help before leaving for the program. Writing postcards to a friend in the language also improves writing skills. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had been housed in a different area or that I had help from Wellesley finding my own housing - no help was provided in this aspect. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
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