Germany » Baden-Württemberg » Student Comments

Overall Value of the Experience

“I have grown so much by being out of my comfort zone. I love Germany and all the friends I’ve made here. The year has flown by, and I would love to stay longer.”

“This was an excellent proving ground for me, as I come to the end of two decades of education: the stresses for being in a foreign land; the worries and challenges of a demanding and confusing new academic environment; the bittersweet experience of keeping in touch with loved ones; the joys and pains of getting to know people both good and bad over there. There were so very many important things to juggle, and so many opportunities to take advantage of. It was not easy by any means, but it allowed me to prove myself. Now that I go out into the real world - with all its demands, dilemmas, and chances - I know that if I made it in Germany, I can make it anywhere.”

“I love Germany. I want to stay longer.”

“It was simply an amazing, life changing experience.”

“So far this has been the best experience of my life. I got to be in school, meet new friends, learn so much everyday as well as travel all over Europe.”

“It exceeded anything I had even imagined.”

“Being in Germany (and abroad in general) was quite possibly the best experience of my life. I learned so much about myself; I made some amazing friends and learned to call Freiburg my home. I can’t imagine my life without my year in Germany.”

“Becoming more confident, having new experiences, meeting new people. I became more independent, confident, social, and mature.”

“A deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I have been tested here and am stronger for it.”

“I got to explore a whole new country and continent. Also, I got to expand my language capabilities without putting in much effort.”

“Expanding my knowledge of and appreciation of music. Seeing Europe and experiencing German and European culture. Meeting people from all over the world.”

“Learning so many new cultures. People from different places do stuff differently and I learned new ways of doing tasks. I have changed quite a bit. I am more open to try new things.”

“I got to meet my family, learn my heritage, and speak a different language. I’ve definitely grown as a person and know more of our world.”

“I have gained such a broad perspective on life. The world is, for me, much bigger that it was before. I know better than ever that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

“You gain perspective in every area of your life, person, social, spiritual – what have you. I finally was able to look at my life back home objectively because I’m away. I now finally know what I want to do after I graduate!”

Academic Program

“The classes are set up differently. Students are only graded on a project and paper or end exam. There is not much official homework because students are expected to do their own personal study to prepare for finals.”

“Less contact hours, more freedom for students, expected to do more outside of class, less homework.”

“The teachers were fantastic (…). They were very aware of different culture changes for students. Everything with the classes helped me with my German. The teaching methods were completely different then in the states. The time in class was totally different then in the US. I felt like you could approach the teachers like you could in the states.”

“In regular university courses, academic standards are much higher, making the learning experience more involving, challenging, and rewarding. (…)”

Living in Baden-Württemberg

The Location

Freiburg

“It has a lot of international students, which is nice. (…) People are generally nice and friendly. Definitely a university town. Easy transportation by bus/trams. Sunniest city in Germany.”

“There are students here from all over Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and even some Americans. Freiburg is a VERY international study location.”

Heidelberg

“It’s the most beautiful city I have ever seen.”

Konstanz

“The city is AMAZING. Situated beautifully on the edge of a lake. Right next to France, Switzerland, and Austria – plenty of culture! It’s great to meet people from anywhere in the world here. It’s small, but beautiful and has a fantastic night life!”

“Perfect, small, and beautiful.”

Stuttgart (Hochschule der Medien)

“This was perfect place to study digital art. I couldn’t have made a better choice in choosing a city. The media university here is full of hard working, dedicated students. I was challenged at this school here in ways that I have never been challenged at home. I also enjoyed the FMX, a digital media festival that lasts for four days. I was able to attend workshops, see the latest graphic design tools, and have interviews with large graphic design companies that could hire me. This was a huge international event and the best event to attend for anyone who is looking for a job in digital art. The city is full of museums, the theater, and cultural events. I get to work with very intelligent, hard working students, and am never far from inspiration when I need it.”

Tübingen

“So far this is the most international city I have seen in Germany.”

“It was a great city to be in, although rather small. Their international program was great although throughout the city so many people spoke English and wanted to speak English rather than German. It was small enough that it still had some German customs.”

“Tübingen is a wonderful place to study! There is the chance to meet many international (Erasmus) students as well as becoming friends with the German students. As soon as I went outside my comfort circle and started meeting Erasmus students that I only spoke German with, I started having more fun and my German improved 10 fold. Tübingen has many activities for international students.”

“Tübingen is excellent. The university has a good German as a Foreign Language program. The city isn’t huge but it has plenty to do plus Stuttgart is a 45 minute train ride away. It is a good mix of old and new and there are many things to see near the city.”

“Tübingen is wonderful! The transit system is comprehensive and will take you to any of the billions of things to do. Above all though, the food and drink are widely varied, reasonably priced, and have a delightful friendly atmosphere (I’m looking at you, Neckarmuller!)

Acommodations

Freiburg

“For my first month (in Tübingen) I lived in my own room with shared kitchen and bathrooms. For my next two months (after I moved to Freiburg), I also had a shared kitchen and bathrooms. For the following three months I lived in my own room with my own kitchen and bathroom. I liked my own room at first, but I think overall I would have preferred to live with roommates like I did the first three months. I had more interaction with Germans that way.”

Heidelberg

”I have a small room in the middle of Altstadt. I have my own kitchen and bathroom and a view of the castle.”

Konstanz

“I lived in a building somewhat from the University but very close to the city. There were options of 2 and 4 person apartments. (Bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom). It would have been nice to have a common area, but kitchens work too. I got lucky with my building because everyone was so friendly and wanted to be friends with everyone because they were international students too. Taking turns cooking dinners was a nice way to get to know people.

Stuttgart

"I lived in a dorm divided into small apartments with four bedrooms and a shared kitchen and two shared bathrooms on each level. I feel very fortunate to live in this apartment, and I find it very clean, quiet, and comfortable. I would recommend this type of living situation to other students, and I find it much better than the UO dorms. Each person has his/her own room, and there is plenty of space. I live right in front of the university and only have to walk one minute to the front door. I find this very convenient when I want to go back and forth between home and class. There is also a very nice yard outside with many cherry trees, and each room has a door that goes out to the yard, where you can sit. This is a very nice place to live if you like to have privacy, live with mature students, and have an apartment-like dorm.”

Tübingen

"I lived with 16 other residents in a shared kitchen/baths arrangement. Since my neighbors were friendly and outgoing, the experience was wonderful. The quality of life is very dependent on whom one lives with – but moving is not as impossible as it may sound.”

"The cleanliness of the living quarters is largely dependent upon the cooperation of roommates (and therefore neither uniform nor predictable)

”I lived in Hartmeyer Str. with 15 other students on our floor. This was wonderful because most of the people living in the building are German (12 on my floor), and it gives ample opportunities to speak a ton of German and make a group of friends. We shared 6 bathrooms, 4 with showers and a large kitchen (well equipped) with a table that seats eight. We also have a large balcony, which is one of the best things about living here. I also like my room, which has its own sink and plenty of space.”

”I lived in an apartment although they call them dorms. I had my own room that had plenty of room (but not enough outlets). I shared a kitchen with 6 roommates, and my bathroom had 2 showers and toilets, and three sinks. We had a living room although I didn’t use it nor did my roommates. I would live in the same type of accommodation again. My suggestion is if you have a problem with anything with your apartment or roommates, talk to them - they are usually understanding. Be open to any kind of living accommodation. Some are better than others. I lucked out.”

”I love my apartment. I have a kid so we have our own apartment.”

”It was a dorm but more like a 6 person apartment. We shared a kitchen, bathroom and common area.”

“I live in an apartment building that is affiliated with the University. It’s called Europahaus and I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great place to meet other Germans and exchange students..”

Trossingen

”Lived in a WG with 3 roommates, a German, a Bulgarian and a Romanian. It was a great environment. Recommend finding a shared living environment with non-English speakers.”

Finances

“The first two months involved a lot of (…) expenses. (…) In later months, the per diem from the program along with the German stipend becomes more money than will ever be needed.”

“I had a DAAD scholarship of 615 euros/month and was able to live comfortably off that with extra for travel.”

“Travel during the winter and plan early."

“Learn to live within your means. (…) Seriously Germany is relatively cheap on food in stores. Learn to cook something or another.”

On-Site Support

“Silvia (the Resident Director) was the most helpful and reliable person that I could reach during my stay here. She always had answers to my questions, answered my emails very quickly, was very involved and always knew what I was doing in my classes and at my school, and always guided me through everything I needed to do. I would have been completely lost without the first orientation week with Silvia in Tübingen, but her help in the beginning pushed me in the right direction. Silvia is my lifeline whenever I have problems or questions, and she couldn’t be more helpful.”

“Silvia is very nice.”

“Silvia is very helpful and always prompt about getting back to one if there are any questions. It was also nice that we had someone in our city who could answer specific questions regarding Heidelberg.”

“Silvia is very concerned about your success in the program. Keep in contact with her, she’s helpful. Make sure you follow her advice, she knows what she’s doing.”

“She was very helpful. Whenever I needed help she was right there for me.”

“Silvia Kunze-Ritter was always there when I needed her.”

“Silvia was very, very helpful and supportive, especially with trying to organize my special circumstances for my second year of exchange. Couldn’t have done it without her!”

“I appreciate how hard it is to anticipate what will be difficult for the new incoming students. Whenever Silvia didn’t know the answer she knew someone else who did.”

“Silvia’s fantastic! I forgot to register for classes. She managed to get me into all my top choices, despite them being overfull.”

“Silvia was great and always answered my questions promptly.”

“Silvia is great. She’s always available, easy to get a hold of, and keeps us all posted on what we need to be doing. She visited us in Freiburg three times throughout the semester and was always helpful in pretty much every way.”

“Silvia always responds immediately to emails and phone calls. She will get back to you quickly!”