Past Review
By Emily B (HISTORY., Wellesley College) for
Wayne State University: Junior Year in Munich
Yes, yes, yes. I loved study abroad. My German improved rapidly and I have learned a new sense of independence that I hadn't yet received from studying in America. For the first time I was truly on my own. This has been a great way to make connections across the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I don't feel that my classroom experience was as academically rigorous as I would have liked it to be. The workload was nothing compared to my college at home, and the grading system was extremely lenient. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the JYM program is well organized and the staff is incredibly helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived alone in a dorm room in the Studentenstadt in Munich, the biggest dorm complex in the city. It was a great experience to live next to native German speakers and have to interact with them everyday. <br /><br /> The area I lived in was safe and had a great young vibe. I had to buy cooking supplies and decorations, but sheets were provided by my program. I would definitely recommend living in Studentenstadt over an apartment or host family because I got to meet so many Germans. |
| * Food: |
It wasn't that great because I had to cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a great time meeting new people. JYM made sure we had plenty of group bonding activities and it made all the difference to my study abroad experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Munich is an incredibly safe city for its size. In all the time I've been here I've feel really comfortable. They also explained our insurance program to us, which was easy to use when I had to see a doctor. |
| 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? | I spent around 200 euros a week, but I know that many of my friends spent upwards of 300 euros. Munich is not a cheap city. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | To limit how much money you spend, I recommend cooking for yourself as much as possible. Also, traveling expenses add up quickly, so if you're going to travel make a tight budget. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 200- level German |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My German improved by leaps and bounds during my study abroad. One way to improve is to get a speaking partner in the foreign language you want to learn. I would also have enjoyed having a German roommate to practice the language with. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a great program whatever your level of German. Because of the placement test at the beginning of the semester you are matched up to classes that will advance your German skills, but not overwhelm you. |
