Tufts in Tübingen is Great Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) - abroad from 09/01/2011 to 07/31/2012 with

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Tübingen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it was like to live in another country. And that even one as similar to my own as Germany can be stressful to acclamate to. It was definitely worth it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
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.

There's a bit less "hand-holding" than in American universities, and you're expected to get more out of the course than just what you do for your grade

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ute Link knows everything about everything in Tübingen. Didn't have any trouble the whole time I was there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Cafeteria not that great, but it's a college town with plenty of cheap, great restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cultural Reimbursement is a great way to get to know German culture, but its obviously up to you to really integrate with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Program buys insurance at the beginning and Program director will assist you with any doctors.

* 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)

You receive over 800 Euro/Month (~600 after rent) which is enough to survive and even save a little.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 Euro

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? 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? 4th Semester of German
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Program Director
  • Large Stipend
  • Cultural Reimbursement
* What could be improved?
  • Tufts communicating about accepting credits
  • Language Prep course was just okay
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep calm in the first month or two and not worry about making mistakes in front of Germans.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.