Have you ever been on a study abroad?

Question

Particularly in Germany, but anywhere will do. I'm going on a study abroad program to Cologne, Germany with my university in July. I will be spending a month there. Housing and the courses are paid for but I will need money for food and transportation. Is there anything that I should expect? How much money should I bring? What should I pack? Should I bring my laptop? Tell me about your experiences.

Answer 1

Take as little as possible in the way of luggage and possessions -- you'll want to buy clothes and things there! Make sure you take lots of pictures of home -- people will be curious! But you can easily do that on a CD, jump drive or your computer. Make sure you take a camera (and USE IT!).

For lots more tips, check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/...

Viel Gluck!

PS Don't miss out on climbing the steeple!

Answer 2

Yes, bring your laptop.  Yes, go!  You will probably look back on it as either the greatest experience of your life (or one of the top few, anyway) or the doorway through which you began some of the greatest adventures of your life.

Köln is beautiful!  I only spent about half a day there, but it was pretty!  Can't help you with how much money you'll want, but if it's possible, take a credit card (and be VERY careful not to lose it) because the exchange is so much easier that way (and a bit less expensive).  If you have a choice, find one that only charges 1% transaction fee for the exchange.  Pack:  at least one sweater.  Northern Europe was Really quite chilly when I was there, even in the summertime.

I lived in Spain for a whole year, my junior year of University.  I travelled on the trains with a backpack and slept in Youth Hostels, when I couldn't make it an overnight train trip, for a total of three and a half months during that year.  I had some of the best adventures of my life that year, and will never forget it!  I wouldn't trade the experiences I had for anything in the world.  For so many people, University is the only time you can make to make such a trip, and the experiences will stay with you forever!

Have a blast!

Answer 3

Hey! I'm currently spending a year studying in Berlin and have visited Cologne. I know exactly what you're going through. You'll be surprised how many people speak English in Cologne, so don't worry about communication problems. In fact they'll probably be more than happy to practice their English! For the month, depending on your lifestyle, but if it's anything like a student you'll probably need around 500 euros, just to be on the safe side.

Transport is really cheap in Germany and almost always on time.

I'd definitely take your laptop as there are plenty of places you can use WiFi in Cologne. Plus it's always good to look online for things to do in the city instead of paying for magazines.

I'd pack just the essentials-just in case you need to carry your luggage around.

Aaaand all i can say is have a brilliant time-Cologne is an incredible city, so enjoy yourself!

Answer 4

Yes.  Madrid and it was the best experience of my life...thus far.  Best advice: carry a COPY of your passport my sis had hers stolen!  Also, do not set your purse down for a minute bc they have so many thiefs.  My purse was stolen while there and big fiasco getting new credit cards shipped internationally.