Freiburg: an amazing city to study abroad in Past Review
By SImone S (International Relations & Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/03/2011 to 07/30/2012 with
University of Freiburg: Freiburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I became much more independent from this time abroad. Spending a whole year away from home is a much different study abroad experience than most people will have; you truly feel like a part of the community while still holding on to your American roots. My German definitely improved, but I know if I would have made more of an effort to speak German it would have been much better than it is now. Freiburg is a beautiful city that is perfect for students. It's location is outstanding and it is a place that you can really feel comfortable with and call home.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The language courses provided by the University of Freiburg were satisfactory. It really depended on who you had as a professor, so everyone had a different experience on how well they learned. I felt that they could have been much more effective. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There are many different types of housing-- from WGs to individual apartments. I had my own apartment with private kitchen and bathroom at Studentensiedlung am Seepark and was very happy with it. The location was close to town and easily accesible by foot or by street tram. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most of my friends were international students, but I spoke to a local (whether it be at the grocery store or while out in the city) almost daily. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health issues, but friends of mine that went to doctors were extremely pleased with the German health care system. |
| * Safety: |
Freiburg is a very, very safe town. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * 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? | €75-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself more than eating out; drinking uses up a lot of money |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Try to find a German tandem partner when you get here; get a job in the city |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's a lot more difficult to make German friends than you think. Also, build a stronger relationship with advisors before coming since many questions arise. |
