The best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Bellarmine University) - abroad from 06/29/2016 to 07/29/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot in the program... it was definitely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Cristina, Bianca, Giulia, and everyone else at the ESC are fantastic and very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We took a lot of fieldtrips to many places in and around Germany and were very exposed to the language and culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Heidelberg is one of the safest cities I have ever visited. I could walk outside alone at any hour of the day and never feel threatened or scared.

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

I made amazing freinds here and Heidelberg will always have a spot in my heart.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60 to $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

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

Students could use the language if they wanted to. Students taking the German course used it more often than those who were not in the course.

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? a 400 level Spanish course... none in German
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? listen to the way the locals speak the language and try to mimic the way they move their mouths, the sounds they make, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people I met
  • Heidelberg
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • structure of the classes
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.