My Magical Study Abroad experience in Germany Past Review

By (German Language, Literature, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire) - abroad from 06/03/2015 to 05/27/2015 with

Speak + Write Marburg: Intensive German in Marburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is a huge place and that I am not only confined to the US to find a job.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program allowed for much free time to travel to other countries.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out very much.

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? Intermediate
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? 300 level
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? Try not hanging around other Americans. You end up speaking too much English that way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The intensive language use in class.
  • The trips to other cities.
  • Closeness to Frankfurt.
* What could be improved?
  • Could use some programs to help Americans meet local Germans.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have to buy a ton of cooking supplies. That really cut into my budget.