Abroad part 2: Deutschland Past Review
By A student () for
Paderborn University: Paderborn - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
As my second time abroad I was looking to complete my remaining hours from my home university, as well as travel Europe once more. But this time was harder, and I blame this on the length of time. Seven months is a very long time. Too much time in my opinion. But I think it was a valuable learning experience and I'm excited to be able to put this on my future resumes.
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Education is much different here, or so it seems. Maybe it's hearing the murmur of voices in a classroom and not being able to understand a word that they are saying, or how at the end of lectures students will rap their knuckles on their desks to show...something (appreciation/respect). It's almost as if they are applauding. Yet, as far as lectures and teaching goes, it seemed quite similar to the American educational system. I suppose the biggest difference is a lack of homework. I hardly have any! Just reading assignments upon reading assignments, and a final paper for each of my classes. It's different, but also a bit of a relief, my last semester at my home university was beyond stressful with my course load, and yet I find myself with a pleasant amount of free time here. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
What I've found as a bit of a disability has been the office's availability. Sometimes it is very hard to get in touch with someone, or it takes a period of days to receive any reply. This is not something I am use to at my home university. But, a great strength is their willingness to help and be supportive. They go above and beyond when you have a problem and in finding a solution. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My first housing assignment was in an apartment near the city center. I lived with two other students. I really enjoyed living there. The university was easily accessible (as I lived near a bus stop), but I was also close to many stores! After awhile though, I was anxious to live in the student dorms, and closer to the university in general, as I wanted to be closer to all of my friends. None of them lived in the city, all lived in the dorms! But both of my accommodations have been wonderful and clean. |
* Food: |
I went from having a small fridge/freezer, toaster, microwave, and stove/oven to a stove/oven and a small compartment in a fridge. I adjusted well enough but I got in a routine of what meals I would eat. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling was easy and fun, especially with the NRW card, where we could travel in a specific area of Germany for free! A memorable event that I would recommend to all who visit is Karneval!!! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, and while it was helpful for explaining what we were being taught, it also had the effect of making speaking the host country's language not as...important? Knowing that most people spoke English held my practicing of the language back, but in other languages I've taken this has been a common problem. Whereas my actual speaking has never been my strong suit, I am much more confident in reading and writing the langue. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Business majors and lovers of the German language....what are you waiting for? |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
British Political Rhetoric after World War II |
Course Department: | Faculty of Arts and Sciences: L.008.32320 |
Instructor: | Dr. Merle Tönnies |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | I have found this course to be on the more challenging side. While I've taken classes that have always thoroughly discussed rhetoric I had never studied it in this sense. Everyone is always participating in class, answering questions and giving opinions. It is a very comfortable environment that encourages learning. It also helps that our teacher is very knowledgeable! |
Credit Transfer Issues: | N/A |
Course Name/Rating: |
The Sonnet Form through the Centuries |
Course Department: | Faculty of Arts and Sciences: L.008.32280 |
Instructor: | Dr. Merle Tönnies |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | The course has been extremely interesting! I've never known much about Sonnets but I've enjoyed learning about their structure, and being able to deconstruct each line to discover the cleverness of the writer. But, I must admit, I'm usually quite hesitant to participate as many forms of poetry intimidate me. I know we are told that there is 'no wrong answer' but I always have a lingering doubt that mine will be. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | N/A |