Review of my Study Abroad in Berlin, Germany Past Review
By A student (German Studies Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2012 to 07/13/2012 with
Wellesley College: Wellesley-in-Berlin
My German became much more fluent. I also learned about the nuances of German culture, and was able to talk to many interesting people. It was most definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Die Freie Universtät in Berlin |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics are quite rigorous at the University, since I was enrolled in courses alongside German students. For every class, I either had to write a 12-page research paper or take a final exam. During the semester, presentations in seminars are required. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Middlebury Program was great! I got help where I needed it! At the beginning, I got my residential permit by myself; it was somewhat difficult dealing with the bureaucracy alone, but the program altered this aspect, so the directors, from now on, will aid you with this step. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I found my own apartment and lived with a German roommate my age! We cooked and did many activities together. From this my German definitely improved. |
| * Food: |
The lunchroom food it pretty good, but not the best. What made my experience particularly wonderful is that I was able to cook a lot, since I was not on a meal plan. I could always eat what and when I wanted. Cafes and restaurants in Berlin are also quite cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At the beginning, it was difficult due to the lack of my spoken abilities and the fact that it is hard meeting people through classes. However, joining activities outside of the university and living with a roommate definitely helped! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any problems so, I can't really evaluate this aspect. |
| * Safety: |
Berlin is very safe. I felt as if I could travel at all times by myself. Because the transportation is so good, I always had a way to get home. However, since it is a big city, it is always be to be aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 on 300 Euros a month after I paid rent. |
| * 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 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We signed a contract to only speak German. |
| 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? | A 200- level elective course |
| 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? | Join activities to meet other Germans, try to talk to people at the University, get a Tandempartner. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Start on the research papers early. |
