Embassy of the United States of America - Schmalkalden Past Review
By A student (Aviation: Aerospace Management and Certificate in German Language and Culture, Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 10/01/2015 to 08/08/2015 with
Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences: Schmalkalden - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
An obvious benefit is being able to travel to many countries in Europe far more easily than trying to do it from the USA. From this ease of travel I’ve benefitted by experiencing many different pieces of history, people, their cultures, foods, opinions, and sights. It has really opened my eyes to a much bigger world. Having already been in Europe a couple times I experienced this, but to a lesser extent. Now staying here a year, this is my home. I’ve had to assimilate to life in Germany. My closest friends are family. My friends are from all over the world: USA, Germany, Columbia, Mexico, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Chile. When you’re a tourist you only see what you want to see and meet who you want to meet, if anyone. When you call somewhere home you see and experience much more. That is my greatest benefit. Not just seeing the world, but experiencing it and the getting to know the people in it.
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. |
The courses are divided into exchange courses and separate faculties. The exchange courses are all in English, but the faculty courses are only taught in english by claim. Often I found that a course was possible to complete, because professor switched to using German part way through. Also there's a lack of any course description easily available. I basically had to try some classes to see which would work. Almost none of them could be applied... |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They do great with helping to get a visa and health insurance and then they just let you go they don't let you know about academic advisors. All there's a massive lack of info. Though the second semester did improve over the first semester, so I think they are growing and realize their faults. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living was great and easy. My only gripe is that the housing staff doesn't know any English at all whatsoever. |
| * Food: |
Food is great quality and super cheap 1.50€ to 3.00€. Only problem is that they only serve a lunch meal, so you're on your own for breakfast and lunch. Though to their credit there is a sort of "cafe" that has coffee, drinks, donuts, and you can get a burger. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integration wasn't a option. The local population doesn't know any English and your foreign ways are confusing. You really are forced to speak German and learn German customs quickly if you want to get along. Which is not a bad thing in my opinion, but it should be noted for those without prior knowledge in German language and culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Seems very simple. Expensive, but easy. |
| * Safety: |
Never felt safer anywhere in my life than in Schmalkalden. Pretty quiet town at day and night. Dorms are dorms and you should keep your door locked, but for the most part you have nothing to worry about at all. |
| 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) |
I didn't know before going that I needed to show over 8000€ in bank at the beginning to get my visa. With that you can live simply. To afford travel and really enjoy your time you need much more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I try to take out only 50-100€ per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you travel to expensive countries eat and stock up in Germany first. Germany is waaaaaaay cheaper than any of the Western European nations. |
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 |
We met twice a week, but they were very laxed . It was more to make sure we knew enough to pass the exam. |
| 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? | B1.1 |
| 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? | It's very difficult as a native English speaker, because EVERYONE wants to speak English with you. The best way to practice is to go out as much as possible and immediately open with German until you have to switch to English. Don't let them switch. Insist on German if you know you can handle it. |
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? |
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? | A lot, but it's hard for me to list it. Now everything just feels normal. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
