SHOULD i or should i NOT study abroad in Germany??

Question

One year. I know the language failry well. One day I'm pumped to go, da next not. I go to college in da east coast (US) so it would be a long trip. Will I miss out on college here or will da experience be worth it? (explain plz)

it might come down to a coin toss...idk

Answer 1

Jo Dudemeisterle! wazzup,  Kumpel?  

(Neniaf is right about using decent English  While you might be flashing reverse snobbery so someone will guess you're an Amherst student who doesn't need to prove anything to anyone, be aware that there's currently an incredibly high level of intense anti-Americanism in Germany, especially among academics.  Many American students haven't figured out that being fluent in German doesn't mean they're free to be loud and obnoxious in English in public.)  

A lot depends on what kind of program you're considering.  If you're at a top private school, I'd recommend taking a leave of absence and enrolling directly in a German Uni, since tuition is only 500 Euros a semester, and getting college credit at, say, Penn, would cost you their full tuition.  

If you're in the Connecticut state system, OTOH, their program in Germany organizes a lot at a reasonable price.  

A lot depends on what you're studying, and whether you want to make connections that would enable you to work or continue your studies in Germany after finishing college.  In some fields, I wouldn't count on the course material holding a candle to what you'd have gotten at a top-ranking school in the U.S.  In other fields, you'll have the chance to do what would count as grad-level work at a mid-ranked school.  If you're at an Ivy studying applied math but want to do machine construction for suppliers to the auto industry, then internships and practical courses in German programs will be your best shot.

(And, out of curiosity - "long trip" from the East Coast?)

Answer 2

i say do it.

you will learn a lot and it will be fun.

i want to study abroad in Italy and Spain myself.

cost is not a problem right? because most schools have programs where its cost rivals that of attending school in the US.

and i have never heard of a negative experience from studying abroad, because all the experience you go through, you learn from it.  of course, im sure there are cases where it might be negative, but lets be optimistic here!

Answer 3

it's really up to you but if you not sure don't do it because you will regret it one day and trust me that is not a good feeling,

Answer 4

I too agree with neniaf's position on your English. If you go overseas, you really need to use model correct usage. People will be learning from you as much as you are learning from them.

As to going to Germany -- yes! I lived there almost three years and had a great time. You'll never regret it! You have three years left of college here ... but if you have the time and money to go, you never know if the opportunity will arise again!

Answer 5

Before my brother went off to college he spent 9 months in Austria. Doing so looked really good on his record and it helped  him get accepted into the University of Michigan. He made tons of friends and the trip completely changed his mind about what he wanted to do with his life. I feel as though studying abroad made my brother a better person, it would be an experience you would never forget.

Answer 6

The experience should be worth it (although you will embarrass every American if you use language like that - please turn "the" back into a three-letter word unless it is your life's ambition to join the cast of the Sopranos!).  First of all, you have three other years to study in the U.S.  This is probably the only time in your life when you will have enough time to spend this long a period getting to see something of the rest of the world.  Don't blow it because you are afraid of missing something back home (how exciting has life at home been so far?!).  Given how interconnected our world is, I wish every student could have the opportunity to study abroad for a whole year.  I think it will greatly transform your life, assuming you do something with the year other than just spend it drinking the beer.  You have a chance that most people don't; please don't let fear hold you back.