Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life so far. Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology., University of California - Merced) - abroad from 04/01/2012 to 07/17/2012 with

University of Potsdam: Potsdam - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. This prove that i can survive in another foreign country. I'm not afraid of being on my own. So many cool people out there.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Potsdam, Germany
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.

Class and teachers were great. The small class size helped with learning the materials.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Really Friendly and very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Dorms were cool, just had to get use of having one washer and no drier.

* Food:

German food it great but they also have a great variety of other types of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really integrated attending the University and living the small town of Potsdam.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

German health care is one of the best in Europe. German medicine is one of the best as well.

* Safety:

Potsdam is a really nice town and is really famous for the palaces that surround the city. While i was there i felt really safe and buses are always on time.

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)

It depends, just depending on your own personal budget you could accomplish living in Germany. Food and basic items are really inexpensive. Traveling is the most expensive, but you don't have to travel that much since Germany is a great city to explore. There is something always to do.

* 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? 100 Euros a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you work, save your money. Try to save the most money you can because when going abroad, you will want to do everything.

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

That was one of the main purpose in my program. The language is very difficult but it crazy how you fast you can pick up words and start understanding.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had no language experience.
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? Use it on a daily basis and don't be afraid to speak out loud. Everyone is really eager to help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The people
  • The food
  • The social factor
* What could be improved?
  • School, maybe only 3 times a week
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to the cultural differences.

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.