Heidelberg: The most underrated place on earth that permanently changed my outlook on life. Past Review
By Emily L (Political Science and Government., University of Southern Maine) for
Schiller International University: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in Germany
My study abroad didn't change me, it just caused me to uncover the part of me that I did not yet know existed. I have found respect for every single culture in the world since meeting so many international students who are all just doing the same thing I was, trying to get by and make the best of what you have. I no longer find professional advancement important but intellectual advancement the key to LIFE success. You aren't going to get anywhere by sitting at a conference table and never having your voice heard. Break the mold and start living!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
it was a month to month basis so it was kind of like a vacation. one out of the four classes I took was actually challenging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
they need to be more organized and structured, sometimes it was too absent minded. they are small so they are close with each study and extremely approachable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
the kitchen was gross but that was because all of the spoiled international students have either had a maid or a mom to clean up after them their entire lives. the area was wealthy and safe. nightlife is great. |
| * Food: |
we cooked our own food. their was a Bistro downstairs were Tony cooked overpriced food for all the rich kids who had never boiled water in their lives. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had many things to do as students together, Schiller provided so many things to do. I went on the overnight trip to Brussels where I met my now boyfriend and got to see the EU commission so I am thankful for that. I was part of the Media Design team and always felt like i could communicate with each student. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
safe safe safe, heidelberg is famous for it's Heidelberg medical university. if anything happened we had insurance and it would be taken care of. |
| 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? | Groceries are cheap! I spent nearly 15 euros a week on food. I tried to only buy clothing on Sale and would not buy more than one drink at the clubs or bars because they are stupidly expensive. All in all I spent 3000 DOLLARS over 4 months and had the chance to go to Mallorca, Spain for 5 days on the beach, Amsterdam for 4 days by train, Rome for 5 days by plane, Brussels and Neueschwanstein (cinderella castle) as a day trip. most of my money was spent traveling! It was a good price for an amazing experience. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | KEEP TRACK OF BANK ACCOUNT AND EXCHANGE RATE!!! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Come into this program with an open mind to diversity, give each person you meet a chance, but take this advice with a grain of salt. To students who are looking to possibly have a sense of wellbeing with the surrounding people you live with don't expect to find it here but do expect to gain selfawareness and maybe an abroad "family" for life. |
