Berlin: The Semester of Little Sleep Past Review
By Amanda S (Political Science and Government., Truman State University) for
Nazareth College: Berlin - Nazareth-in-Berlin
The four months I spend in Berlin was one of the best, if not the best, experiences of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was not too demanding, and the out-of-class excursions complemented the material being learned in the classroom very well. The grading system was clearly defined at the beginning of the program, and professors were always willing to answer questions both during class and by email. The relative smallness of the program allowed the other students, myself, and our professors to develop intimate and long-lasting relationships. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director and staff were always wiling to assist with any questions or concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Food can be found for very cheap if desired. From pasta to pizza to traditional German bratwurst and beer, the only thing you might miss (from America) is the occasional pancake and burrito. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many excursions to sites around Germany as well as the Czech Republic and Poland. The week-long Fall Break was also a good time to experience other parts of Europe. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health insurance was provided and public transportation was safe. I not once felt unsafe. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 50 to 100 Euros. It depends on what you want to do and where you want to go. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Public transportation (although the program does specify this). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate German II |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I would recommend speaking with host families and the greater Berlin community in German whenever possible. You'll only get better if you try! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | Anyone who loves history, trying new things, meeting new people, clubbing, and a city open for exploration should check out Berlin! |
