Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing and Life Changing! Past Review

By (English Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned independence. Sorry but ISU doesn't give that to students the first 2 years. I learned how to depend on myself, not others, to get things done. I also learned the language, something I never thought I could do.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

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)

I would recommend at least 500 euros for 'recreation'.

* 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? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not buy everything at once! You lose money at the middle and you beg your parents for more----that's what happened to all of us!

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

I had to use it everyday!

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? LAN 116
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? Go to stores, parties, and social events. And listen to what people are saying even if you don't understand at first.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Actually learning and speaking German.
  • The social events.
  • The scenery.
* What could be improved?
  • Having experienced students advise when they get back to ISU.
  • Give out emails about crucial websites (ex: bahn.de).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how to do basic things like going to the train station, finding food, going to the bank. The buddies saved our lives but for those who didn't have the best helpers they were lost. Pre-planning isn't easy for anyone who simply doesn't know.