Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great year! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2011 to 07/15/2012 with

Wellesley College: Wellesley-in-Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the German culture, which also helped me to learn how to live on my own and become more independent.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* 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? 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget for every month and abide by that budget.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German upper 200 level
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? Try and meet locals at the beginning

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 directors and tutors in the program were helpful.
  • The host culture was interesting to observe.
  • The people I went with were great.
* What could be improved?
  • It was hard to make contact with locals.
  • We had the option of living in student dorms, but they were terrible. So instead I found an apt. on my own, but that was a long and stressful process.
  • The Director lived in Mainz so it was hard to contact her when we needed immediate assistance.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try harder to meet locals.