182 reviews
4.27 / 5 based on 182 reviews
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Jeff T
Housing
Type of housing: A room exchange
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: A room exchange
Why?
Personal comments
Tufts reserves dorm rooms as well as rooms in some suites. I had my own room in a suite built for four (4) people. Also included were two showers, a kitchen with many modern ammenities, extra storage space, as well as washing machines (for general dorm use). Living with German students proved to be a valuable experience, especially for improving language/comprehension skills.
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Jeff T
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Travel, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Tuebingen may be an old University town, but the local discos are dominated either by highschoolers or by adults in their 30s and 40s. A train to nearby Reutlingen (16 minutes) is one's best bet for all night dancing. Walk through the town and uphill to get to Farberei, a large disco with several rooms featuring different musical styles (popular, drum & bass, the ubiquitous techno, or lounge). Make sure to dress appropriately - sneakers and jeans wont get you in. Stuttgart also offers great nightlife and is about 45 minutes away by train.
If you don't have the time or money for an all night excursion, the local scene is dominated by small bars. There is also a pleasant biergarten on the banks of the Necker River (the Neckermueler). Fraternity parties (Verbindungs Party) are also popular. Monday night Karaoke at Tangente Night is usually packed, please don't ask me why!
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Jeff T
Overall
I wish I had known...
If you possess dual citizenship with Germany and don't have time/don't wish to fulfill your military obligations to Germany during your study abroad experience, register as an American. This will save you from having to deal with the Army.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Simply put, Tuebingen has a great University. The Tufts program provided an ideal way of getting situated in the town and with classes. It is also a very well respected program that grants credit that most, if not all Universities will honor. I heartily recommend Tufts in Tuebingen.
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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
I'm more of a city person, so I regretted not studying in Berlin or Munich. Still, there are ways to go out and have a good time, and the academics are frankly much better in Tuebingen than elsewhere. More than anything, my time in Germany gave me an opportunity to relax from the stresses of American institutions. I had a great time and very much miss the place now!!! I only wish I had had the time to study there for two semesters instead of one.
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Jeff T
Academic
Course recommendations
Though Tufts University nominally grants credit for any course offered through the Karls Eberhard University (provided the student meets certain expecations - i.e. attends class, participates, and either writes a term paper or undergoes oral examination), one can run into problems if taking a class with a German Professor unfamiliar with the Tufts program. Try and take classes recommended by the Director of Tufts in Tuebingen.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
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
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Jeff T
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: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Most younger Germans speak English fluently. If you really want to learn the language don't offer them any windows of opportunity to speak Enlish. Struggle along with German. Otherwise they tend to speak only English with you.
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Jeff T
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Other
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
I was 20 years old when studying in Germany. Any underage American student can tell you that you tend to spend more on nightlife simply because you can (You have to be 21 to go to most clubs and bars in the States). I travelled more because the German railway system is incredibly efficient and convenient. As concerns other expenses, the USD was (and continues to be) very strong compared with other currencies, the DM included.
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Travel, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Food:
was the same price as at home.
Telephone, Housing, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
The Director from Tufts will reimburse you for almost any cultural expenses you incur (including sports matches, museums, certain excursions, etc.)
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