Laura Parkhurst
Bayreuth IIK
September, 2000

Program and Preparation for Study Abroad

1. Where and when did you study abroad? (Which program ?)

Bayreuth, September 2000

2. How much German did you know before you left for Europe?

2 years college German

3. What was your major and how did German fit in with your overall academic plans?

Music, it was just for fun and to learn more about the culture

4. What foreign contacts did you have before studying abroad?

none

5. Which courses do you wish you had taken before leaving for Europe?

More history of Germany and modern culture and of course more speaking classes

6. How do you feel you could better have prepared yourself for your study abroad experience?

evaluated the costs more before I left, arranged for communication back home (better phone card) and done more research to optimize travel time

Program Description

1. How would you describe and evaluate this study abroad program and the opportunities it provided for learning German? How many students in a class? How many students in the entire program? Teachers? Special features? Positive aspects? Negative aspects?

About 100 students total. We were divided up into 6 sections according to ability. Within these smaller classes there were about 10-15 kids. Classes were only in the morning and because the range of skill was so great, and the time span so short (3 weeks) I did not learn that much in classes. But we did have some interesting cultural discussions and the teacher made it fun. It was interesting hearing all the different perspectives from the other countries and how they all relate or contrast to Germany

2. What were the strongest aspects of the program?

Very diverse, much time for interaction with other students, excursions and little trips make learning fun.

3. Where do you feel the study abroad program needs improvement?

I wasn't going to learn German, but if that were my goal, I wouldn't come away with that much knowledge. It is not intensive in the least and the opportunities for learning are more personal - what you create.

4. How would you describe the housing? (Where did you live? Who else lived there? Were there cooking facilities or a meeting room with T.V? Was there much opportunity to practice German?

I orginally moved in with a family, which was fine, but they did not interact with me very much at all. Half-way through the program I decided I wanted to live with the other students. The facilities were great - had a kitchen, my own room, a balcony and the bathroom was only shared between two of us. I did not interact with my suite-mate much, except during meals, but I was closer to the other students where I could practice my German.

5. Describe a memorable experience where you made effective use of your German.

I only spoke German and it was most exciting when I decided to travel on my own and made requests or asked native Germans for directions, etc.

6. What do you wish you had done while studying abroad?

Traveled more. I was only in Germany for three weeks, but my intention was to travel. The regional trains are very reasonable and I wish I had just traveled the countryside more instead of sticking so close to Bayreuth.

Location

Bayreuth, 3 hours north of Munich

What were the advantages or disadvantages of the town or city where the program is based?

Great city! It is a university town with lots of historic sites.

Travel

1. What were the most memorable and valuable trips which you took during your stay abroad?

Munich

Back at Northwestern

1. Which courses did you take or do you plan to take to complement or expand on what you have done in Europe?

More music - Wagner!

2. How did you get credit for the academic work you did in Europe?

I did not get credit

3. How did your academic plans change, if at all, after you returned to Northwestern?

did not change

4. What advice would you have for students contemplating study abroad?

Research, save money and get your ticket on priceline.com

Budget

1. Please provide a basic budget for prospective students. What is the minimum needed to participate in the program?

Program Costs $___450_____
Housing $___450_____
Food $____300_____
Flight to Europe $__600________
Transportation in town $____200_____
Books and materials $____0_______
Incidental expenses $____200_____

TOTAL $____2000+____

2. How did you find the cost of living in Europe? What financial advice would you give prospective participants?

Food is cheap, it is all very reasonable.

Practical Advice

1. List the three most important things that you wish someone had told you before leaving.

2.What special things did you discover during your stay that other students might profit from knowing?

3. Why would you encourage another student to consider studying abroad?

4.Why do you think that so few American students study abroad and what could the German Department or Study Abroad Office do to encourage students to study abroad.

5. Did you find any work or internship opportunities during your stayin Germany?

no