Spring Abroad in Munich Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Cornell University) - abroad from 03/28/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

Wayne State University: Junior Year in Munich

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile.

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 three classes I took at LMU Munich really weren't difficult or rigorous at all, and the program courses through JYM were also not difficult (which is fine!). I really enjoyed and learned a lot from the required German language course through JYM though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

JYM was organized and answered questions and responded to e-mails quickly. I thought orientation was way too long (3 weeks) and could have been done in 1 week instead.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family outside of the program so can't comment too much on the university housing. It seemed fine from what I saw.

* Food:

The cafeterias there aren't anything fancy, but they're super cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Other students at my classes welcomed me and invited met to dinner. It really depends on which classes you take, and who you happen to sit next to though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

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 lived with a host family so this helped a lot. Living in Munich isn't cheap!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $120

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GERST 3080/3090
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Taking classes at the university
* What could be improved?
  • Shorter orientation
  • Sending information about choosing courses earlier and through e-mail
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A