People are people, no matter where you are. Past Review

By (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 07/11/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

Universität Leipzig: Leipzig - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So much. I learned new ways of understanding people given that I didn't always speak a language in common with the people I met (other than German, which we were learning). I learned most of all that people are always going to be people, and that we are all more or less the same no matter where we grew up when you get down to our roots.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Leipzig - Universität Leipzig Photo Direct Enrollment: Leipzig - Universität Leipzig Photo

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

Everything was superbly organized and plenty of events were scheduled and payed for or subsidized. There was a lot of interaction among the exchange students from around the world

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room was fantastic! Much bigger than my room here, and much nicer too. The only part that wasn't too great was that it was far removed from the center of the city.

* Food:

This is a comment on the food available in Leipzig in general, not through the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

didn't have any issues

* Safety:

I was walking around at night and even got lost once, but I never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 was spending a lot, but that's not really a reflection on the costs. I was there for a short time and made some large purchases that aren't included in a normal student's budget

* 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? €130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy your alcohol in bulk, not at bars.

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

The program was 100% foreign 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? 413
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use it. don't speak english. pretend you don't know english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • getting to know so many different cultures
  • GERMAN FOOD
  • Being on my own in a foreign place
* What could be improved?
  • Having WIRELESS anywhere..
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there was no wireless internet except for in one bank and a couple coffee shops. That was a bummer.

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.