Marla Boughton

Bayreuth, August 2003

Program and Preparation for Study Abroad

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

I studied at the University of Bayreuth in Germany in August 2003. I was in the program Sprache und Gesellschaft.

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

I had studied one year of college German.

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

My major is psychology. I am considering either a double major or a minor in German.

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

I did not have any foreign contacts.

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

I wish that I had taken 2nd year German before I left. At the same time, I'm glad I took the opportunity to see what studying abroad is like. Now, I'm ready to go back for my junior year and know, somewhat, what to expect.

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

I wish that I had read more German and increased my vocabulary before I left.

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 provided me with the unique opportunity of learning German with others from all over the world. Learning German in German was a little difficult, but it was very rewarding. There were 15 people or less in each class and we were placed based on our results on a test taken before classes began. There were about 150 people in the whole program. A lot of the teachers were former students of the program, which led to the diversity of the program. In the morning, we would study grammar, and, after a small break, we would have discussions on various topics that affect society. Because of our various backgrounds, everyone in the class had very different viewpoints. It was difficult at times because I did not know as much German as others in my class. I was also one of the youngest people in the program. Many people had been studying German for at least 5 years, and some were German teachers from other countries.

2. What were the strongest aspects of the program?

It provided activities and field trips in the afternoon, so students always had something to do and always had the opportunity to practice their German.

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

I did not get the information I needed before I left. It arrived a couple of hours too late. Fortunately, I met people in the program on the train to Bayreuth, so I knew where to go once I reached the city. At times the program seemed disorganized.

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 in an apartment with two other people. They weren't there very often though, so I didn't get to practice my German as much as I would have if I had stayed with a family. There was a kitchen, but not really a meeting room.

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

I hung out with one of my housemates one afternoon. She didn't know very much English, so I had to do my best speaking German. I had to tell her what I wanted to do, and we held a conversation for a couple of hours. It was difficult, but it was a lot of fun.

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

I wish that I had gotten to visit more cities and travel around more. I was really close to Prague, but I didn't get a chance to go.

Location

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

Bayreuth is a small town which was nice because I didn't have to walk too far to get to the university. I also had to walk home alone late at night. It was a very safe place to live. In general, I like larger cities, but Bayreuth was perfect because it wasn't too busy or overwhelming.

Travel

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

I visited Nuernberg, Weimar and Dresden. It was amazing to see the destructive effect of WWII on Dresden. I also went to Buchenwald. It was an experience that is difficult to describe, but I'm glad that I got to witness it.

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'm going to take German 102 and hopefully study abroad next year. When I get back, I'll continue to take German courses that interest me.

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

I took the Northwestern German placement test. I tested out of German 102-1, but since I plan on going abroad next year, I decided that I shouldn't wait until winter quarter to take more German.

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

My plans haven't really changed much. Now all I have to do is decide which program to apply for next year.

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

If you're worried about studying abroad for a long period of time, the summer is a great time to go. You can go for 4 or 7 weeks. I definitely recommend going abroad, even if it is just for a month.

Budget

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

Program Costs $640.00___________

Housing $217.00__________

Food+Incidental expenses= $500.00___________

Flight to Europe $1050.00___________

Transportation in town $Free bus pass___________

Books and materials $0.00___________

Incidental expenses $ see food+incidental expenses___________

TOTAL $2407.00___________

The minimum need is probably around $2250, but the trips on the weekends to other cities increases the cost.

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

The cost of living in Europe is really low. But, you have to remember that your spending euros, not dollars, and depending on what the rate of conversion is at the time, it might make a difference. I recommend having enough money to travel around a little outside of whatever town your program is in.

Practical Advice

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

(1) It can get REALLY hot in Germany during the summer!!! I thought that I was going to die. It was in the upper 90s and there was no air conditioning.

(2) Leave a couple of days open after the program (before you have to catch your plane) so that you can travel around. I got invited to Prague, and I couldn't go because I had to come home.

(3) Use luggage that you can get on and off of the train easily.

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

Don't be afraid that you don't know enough German. You'd be surprised at how much you know once you're forced to speak it.

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

It's the experience of a life time. You get to meet some really great people, you learn a lot and it's so much fun.

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.

It's easy to stay where you are. You have to be able to challenge yourself to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. I'm not sure how you could encourage students to do it. I think it's just something that you have to want to do.

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

No, but I was only there for a month.