Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Deutschland... Ich werde dich vermissen! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 03/21/2016 to 07/22/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I not only improved my German, but I also improved academic and life skills with the help of this program. I believe both my writing and communication skills have improved, which will help me in Wellesley and beyond. I was also able to explore a new place and meet people who challenged the way I view the world. It was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It would have been nice to have had the option of living in a single-gender apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It would have been much easier if the doctor's fees were sent directly to the health care provider instead of having to pay out of pocket and then try to get reimbursed.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying groceries and cooking at home is definitely cheaper than going out to eat! Also, borrow books from the library instead of purchasing them. If you have to purchase a book, try getting it a reduced price from another student or as a "reclam" book in a book store.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GER 202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? No matter how embarrassed you might feel, the only way to progress is to talk!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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
  • 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?
  • Language Contract: It forced me to use it!
  • Student Budget: It encouraged me explore more of my host country.
  • The People: I got along well with administration and the other program participants.
* What could be improved?
  • Organization: I felt lost at the beginning of the program because I wasn't sure how to go about completing some of the tasks that were expected of me.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I could talk to my tutor about stuff other than academics. The title "Babel Guide" should have been more clear to me, and I felt really uncomfortable with my tutor; I felt as if my tutor was only doing this job for the money and that I should not waste her time with other concerns.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.