I gained confidence living and studying in a foreign country. Antioch Tübingen Past Review

By (International Studies, Albion College) - abroad from 01/29/2012 to 07/29/2012 with

Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about university culture in Germany and that I can survive. My study at Albion would have been a lot less interesting without this experience

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:

Food was not provided by the program and we got it for ourselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had health issues.

* 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)

The monthly allowance was a good pace for spending.

* 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? Around 150€ (about $180)

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

Everything officially program-related was conducted in German, since the language training and site orientation were not specifically American

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 310
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find new activities and things to do. Don't be afraid of not speaking perfectly

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 language training and site integration that got us prepared for the semester
  • The fact that it was actual German university courses
* What could be improved?
  • A bit more preparation with which courses we should take and how to transfer them
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Germans are really nice and friendly and the country has a lot to experience, but you need to travel a little to get to it