Berlin. Came for an Experience, staying indefinitely Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Trinity University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/30/2012 with

New York University: Berlin - NYU in Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about life in general, and where I am going and what I want to do with myself the next few years as a student and in the years beyond

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 classes appeared to be difficult, but proved to just give a lot of work so it seemed difficult but I did not feel challenged or stimulated in the majority of my classes, not because of professors, but because of the materials assigned and class discussions

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Was not in a very good location, had to take transportation very long to school and quite far away from young area of the city

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

very well, but took time to process

* 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)

easy once you get used to the city and know where to go, very expensive up front and everything is paid for with cash

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? find places you can buy cheap food and find other students to split grocery costs with

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? Beginning 1
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? get a tandom partner, don't go out with fellow americans

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff
  • The proffessors
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • The housing
  • The costs were very high
  • Internet acted up
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive studying abroad can be and how lonely living alone is

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!