Damian Allen

ISP, Chemistry, Biology 2002

Program and Preparation for Study Abroad

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

Bayreuth, Germany August 2001

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

I had taken 203, 205, and 391

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

My majors are ISP, Chemistry and Biology. The trip gave me an opportunity to see science in a different country and to take a break from scientific research.

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

None

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

I feel as though I was properly prepared.

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

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?

The program was very well organized. Events were planed throughout the week with excursions to different cities for the weekends. The class sizes were also small (~12 students per class).

2. What were the strongest aspects of the program?

The number of non-American students (3). Because they were not many Americans, I had to meet others and talk in German.

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

None, I was very satisfied.

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 lived with a host family. They had 4 small children (4-12 years old) and various pets. It was a very good experience. I had the best of both worlds. I could hang-out with other students or with the family when nothing else was planned.

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

The first night the students in the program attended a social at the local brewery to get to know one another. Instantly, I spotted some good-looking Italian girls, but I am kinda shy and definitely did not want to speak German with them. I then decided that I had nothing to lose and after talking with them for a bit, I became more comfortable speaking German. I wish there were opportunities in the USA to meet good-looking women and use the excuse to practice the language to get to know them.

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

I wish I had traveled to Berlin or Munich.

Location

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

Bayreuth is a small city of ~75,000 people. The city had a central downtown area with many shops and the bus fare was free. On the other hand, most shops close early and are closed all of Sunday.

Travel

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

Bamberg: One of the few cities near Bayreuth not distroyed during WWII. A very pretty city with a weird bacon-beer called "Rauchbier".

Dresden: I got to see how run-down this former East German city used to be while observing its reconstruction.

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?

I wish I had time to take some more courses but I don't have time in my schedule.

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

No, but I probably could have.

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

Not at all.

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

Definitely do it! I had never been to Europe before and had many excuses, but the friendship you will make will last a lifetime. During your undergraduate years is the time to go because you do not have many responsibilities.

Budget

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

Program Costs $____0_______

Housing $____0_______

Food $______0_____

Flight to Europe $_____650______

Transportation in town $___________

Books and materials $_______0____

Incidental expenses $_____150______

TOTAL $____800_______

***Damian received a DAAD Summer Grant which covered a good part of the program costs and room and board.