Useful |
0
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: German
Was learning German a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my German
How much did you improve your German?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
At first I found it hard to get my point across in most situations, but after the one month intensive language course offered by the univeristy, I felt I was able to communicate clearly and convey what I wanted to say.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
I was in Sports Education, and I found the Sports Department to be quite realxed. Be sure to show up to the first day of class, even a bit early to be sure you get in. Also be sure to tell the professor you are an international student if they ask you to leave the class, as they usually will make exceptions to international students.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Make sure to keep up with the course work, and do not fall behind in the subject matter. It is really hard to study everything at the end of the semester be able to take a good test.
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
0
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Other
Other sources of funding:
Other
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
I spent more on travel in Germany as there was more opportunity to travel as well as more new, interesting things to see. I found that overall they cost of living in Germany was much less than in the States.
Read more >
Food, Telephone, Overall, Housing:
was more expensive than at home.
Nightlife:
was the same price as at home.
Travel:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I only had a few suprises like the semester ticket (a card you get for the semester that gets you on to the busses and trains in all of Hessen for free). A tip for Grocery Shopping: Go to Lidl Pennymarkt, or Aldi, they are very cheap grocery stores, and have the same quality as the name brands.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
Not really, I would say that for the most part Giessen is a pretty friendly city, the people were really helpful. Just study up on the German culture so you won't have any embarrassing situations.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
As a Sport Sciences student I found all of the professors very helpful. If you have a question or need help with something, it never hurts to ask. You tend to have to throw yourself into the student culture to be able to get to know the German students, I found you have to go to them and introduce yourself, they will not usually come to you.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
One thing I would say, is that even if you have a good knowledge of the language, attend the intensive language course offered by the AAA (Akademisches Auslandsamt), the people there are so nice and they will help you a lot. Plus you will make lifelong friends with the other international students there.
Other than that, travel as much as you can, use the Schoenes Wochenende ticket through the Deutsche Bahn, it is the best deal for the weekends. But definatly check out how you can use the different deals with the trains, and look at Ryan Air for travel to other European countries, it's really cheap.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I would rather search for an apartment on my own, as my room was rather small, and far from the city.
Read more >
Personal comments
Overall, I found the housing to be quite nice. I was in an apartment with German students, and that was very helpful.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Catherine M
University of the Pacific, Stockton, Ca, United States
Education, Primary, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Ask the local students about the best Discos. I found Uhlenspiegel to be one of the best. Also you can get Hooka for 5 Euro on Wed. and Sun. at "News Cafe" in the Fussgaengerzone. One great cafe with reasonable prices is "Cult", a few blocks away from Galeria. Also look into the sports programs set up by the University (aHS). They have great programs and you will meet lots of really nice students.
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français