Living and Learning German at Theodor-Litt Haus Past Review
By Ryan B (Music., Valparaiso University) for
Valparaiso University: Reutlingen - Hochschule Reutlingen
Words can't put it all together. I'm more confident, responsible and independant after a semester looking after myself. Add to it a new awareness of the broad range of differences and similarities between the cultures and it's a truly eye-opening experience. Entirely worth it.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There seemed to be a handful of miscommunications throughout the sesmester, but nothing that ended up being awful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Theodor-Litt Haus. The beds were a little small for some, but rooms were comfortable and fair sized, and each floor has a nice full size kitchen and a balcony. A decent enough dorm, but the best part of living there were the people that I met and lived with. <br /><br /> The bed could have been a little larger and we had some issues keeping the room from being too warm, but neither issue was much of a problem. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself most of the time. Saved a lot of money and found out I'm not completely inept in the kitchen after all. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got to travel often and get to know locals and other international students. How could I complain? My favorite attractions were the opera houses and concert halls I got to see and hear performances in. Beyond that, it is incredible to actually see so many landmarks that I've heard about all my life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city itself felt as safe as home to me. I did come down with bronchitis at one point and had to see a doctor. The entire arrangement was straight forward and I saw a specialist the same day. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~20 euros when in the dorms, included food and a night or two at the pub. When traveling costs can be closer to 100 euros for food since I had to eat out most of the time. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cooking for yourself is much cheaper than eating in restaraunts, but get out and sample local food once in a while too. Pubs and clubs are expensive. If money is tight but you want to get out, ask locals about bars with fair prices that still offer a good time. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My German was extremely rusty when I went over. By purposefully speaking the language as often as was plausible, I improved my comprehension of the language a lot. I'm now in the top of my German class back in the states. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes 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? | If you have an interest in Germany and its language and culture, it's a good program. As with most things, it will be what you make of it. If you are excited and outgoing, you'll love it. If you're a homebody, stay home. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
German 204 |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Wolf Brixner |
| Instruction Language: | English/German |
| Comments: | A brilliant course with a very impressive instructor. Herr Brixner is helpful and honestly interested in students' progress. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
