Best Summer Ever! Past Review

By (University of Bath) - abroad from 08/02/2016 to 10/27/2016 with

University of Konstanz: Konstanz - Bodensee Summer School (Lake Constance Summer School)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The people on the course were amazing!! The best part of the trip by far is the company. You wouldn't think that a month would cause you to make such good friends, but its just long enough for leaving to be painful. Cheapest month long holiday by far (£770).

Review Photos

University of Konstanz: Konstanz - Bodensee Summer School (Lake Constance Summer School) Photo University of Konstanz: Konstanz - Bodensee Summer School (Lake Constance Summer School) Photo University of Konstanz: Konstanz - Bodensee Summer School (Lake Constance Summer School) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course could be better if the placement test was better. Unfortunately many didn't feel that their class was at an appropriate level. We received a book, and the teaching time was a lot though, well worth the money. It's pretty laid back, you could treat it as a holiday.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Well... its not very organised, but at least the trips were.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You're placed into three different residences, 2 of them are really nice but one of them isn't that great at all. (I was in that one). However you won't spend much time at home so its not too much of an issue, plus it's cheap. Also you live with existing students of Konstanz university, not your coursemates, I loved my flatmates however some never saw theirs as they were on holiday.

* Food:

Food isn't that expensive in Germany so you can eat out if you want. However as it's next to Switzerland it is slightly more expensive than the rest of Germany. You can always cook in the dorm, as you borrow the utensils from your flatmates. The bars in Konstnaz are amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you love bars and restaurants and a holiday destination, this is the place for you. Konstanz is a holiday resort and you're there in summer so it's perfect.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had health insurance and epic, but since it was only one month long I didn't require either.

* Safety:

It's safe, it's only a small town. However one of my friends was unlucky enough to be approached by a mugger at night. If you stick to groups you should be fine. None of the local students ever said that they felt scared.

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 was on holiday, and so were many of the other students so we didn't really feel the need to stick to a regular student budget. Nothing is too expensive except traveling around Germany, but use Flixbus and you'll be alright.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Flix bus for travel. Plan ahead. Cook at home.

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

We were supposed to be living with german students. (In my case it didn't happen as my flatmate was an Italian erasmus student). In class we were only allowed to speak german.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GCSE
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? Practice reading for the placement test. They only assess reading to place you in a class, moving up a class can be difficult unless you ask and tell them it is too easy. Try to use German with your coursemates.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • Trips
  • Summer in Konstanz
* What could be improved?
  • The course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.

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 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.