Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lost, confused, and having the time of your life! Tübingen - Antioch in Germany Past Review

By (Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Bowdoin College) - abroad from 08/04/2013 to 07/29/2013 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Prior to studying abroad, I thought I had a broad perspective on the world and an open point of view. After studying abroad, I actually have both of those things. It was incredibly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Incredibly nice people, always open to help out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I do not recommend the Tübingen Mensa food, but there were kitchens in our accommodations.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with health services in Germany, but required no additional vaccinations.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not plan to pack light and buy more clothing in Germany.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 400
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? Find tandem partners as soon as possible! Not only will they help with the language, but it's a great way to make friends and meet locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Opportunity to live in several places
  • Intensive language instruction
  • Housing with actual German students
* What could be improved?
  • More support/advisement during Goethe Institute stay
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Never wish a German "happy birthday" before their actual birthday.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.