Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best time of your life. Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

WHU–Otto Beisheim School of Management: Vallendar - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Work experience through my internship, school/study skills through the different methods of teaching, and exposure to another culture and world. Completely 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.

Challenging classes, mostly good professors, lots of topics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very organized and communicative, and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Super easy process. They hook you up with a great place to live and are also very communicative.

* Food:

Not something through the university, but there are several grocery stores.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Local culture of the small town, not very much. But friends and school-wise, very much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues. Although in Germany they don't allow you to get antibiotics for colds.

* Safety:

Very safe city, school, and experience.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Loved every part of it and was amazed at how welcoming the schools as.

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)

Lots of traveling is expensive!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a part time job/internship! Or travel less. Or share rooms at hostels (lowers prices from 50/night to less than 10 sometimes). Book RyanAir flights in advance. Trains in advance. etc.

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

All of my friends were American, though.

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? 0
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get a German buddy and do the 1 hour a week practice talk.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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 school/people were SO welcoming
  • Good classes
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Not a whole lot
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes are far more self-paced and you need to stay ahead by studying on your own.

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.