75 reviews
4.42 / 5 based on 75 reviews
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Cathrin S
Academic
Course recommendations
It is a good idea to register for more courses than needed because at the beginning it is possible to go to all courses and then after the first week make your choice. There are a lot of exams during the semester so it is helpful to read the chapters in the books before class or at least after each class.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Not so many multiple choice exams. More essay questions.
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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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Cathrin S
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
In communicating with Americans you learn a lot of expressions you would not learn in class. It is helpful to know some phrases. In class you learn a lot of technical terms which will help you in your future job. The Americans also tell you when you make any mistakes in pronunciation and so on.
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Cathrin S
Overall
I wish I had known...
You can register for more courses than you need.
You can sometimes attend graduate courses even if your exchange progamme only contents undergraduate courses - just try.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Warm clothes for the winter - travel around a lot (nice area) - professors are very nice and helpful (don't hesitate to ask questions) - a lot of nice American and international students (keep in touch with them).
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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
You can get cheap and nice things for your room (blankets, lamps, posters, carpets,...) at Meijer's - about 10 minutes away from campus by bus (from Grand River Avenue). Discover the campus, it is huge (like a village) and it has a lot of nice things to visit. Go to at least one Football game - it's a special experience. There are also interesting Basketball or Hockey games. You can find a lot of sports facilities - if you plan to go to the gym regularly buy a gym pass for $ 60,-- and you can go there whenever you want.
Visit Chicago (about 6 hours away by bus - you can also go there by train), it's a very beautiful city, Detroit is also near by. Toronto is a very nice city (you need a signature from OISS to be able to go there - kind of visa). If you want to visit New York you should go by plane. There are always special offers for students (STATRAVEL agency on Grand River - close to the Union). Discover Michigan: Upper Peninsula, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City,... IT IS GREAT!!!
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Cathrin S
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Food was included in the housing contract so I did not have to buy the extra things. I called my boyfriend and my family almost everyday, that's why I spent more in this category. Concerning the housing I spent more because I have to pay less rent for my apartment at home. The travel expenses were higher because I travelled around a lot, e.g. Chicago or New York.
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Housing, Travel, Telephone, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Nightlife, Food:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
There is a student book store on Grand River Avenue with used books. They are a lot cheaper than new books but you have to go there as soon as you know your courses otherwise they are already sold out. If you switch a course you have some time to return the books you don't need and you get the money back.
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Cathrin S
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: With a family
Why?
You getter a better experience how Americans live and you are forced to speak English all the time!
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Personal comments
The location was pretty good and I met a lot of new people. If you have problems there are other students to help you.
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Cathrin S
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Clubs or bars on Grand River Avenue. There are plenty of good locations. Every Thursday evening: Sparty's - people who are under age are also allowed to get in there on that day.
Spartan Spirit for new students at the beginning of the semester in the Spartan stadium. Planetarium and museum on campus. Welcome dinner for international students - Kellogg Center.
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