More History Than I Expected, But That's Good Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/21/2019 to 06/04/2019 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Germany: Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Perspectives

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I learned a lot more about German history in the context of the sciences, politics, and culture than I expected. I made new friends and gained a new perspective of modern and historical Germany.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

We ended up with queen beds at one hotel when twin beds were expected.

* 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

Liked the professors that led the trip

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? $120

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No german
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? Ask locals to teach you words.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Einstein Tower
  • Cool museums (particularly Berlin Technikmusem)
  • Small group
* What could be improved?
  • More free time
  • Visit more nature related places
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Conflicts will arise when you're living and socializing with a small group of people.