where to study abroad
Oct 4th, 2008, 08:12 AM
#1
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where to study abroad
I'm looking at studying abroad in europe next year. I want to go somewhere with a decent cost of living...I am in college, you know. 
Some of my options are Denmark, England, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. If you have a preference for one of these countries I would love to know what you like about it to help me decide. Thanks!
Some of my options are Denmark, England, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. If you have a preference for one of these countries I would love to know what you like about it to help me decide. Thanks!
Oct 4th, 2008, 09:37 AM
#3
Lauren,
I like Germany in terms of cost of living for students. Look into Berlin and Munich - both fascinating and fun cities for young people.
What are you studying? What languages do you speak?
Important questions to consider...
gruezi
I like Germany in terms of cost of living for students. Look into Berlin and Munich - both fascinating and fun cities for young people.
What are you studying? What languages do you speak?
Important questions to consider...
gruezi
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:02 AM
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Are you doing this through your college and does your college have programs in all these countries? If so you would probably choose a country depending on the language you want to learn or on your major. For example, if you want to learn German or Portugese then you would go to Germany or Portugal. If your major is archeology then you might choose Malta or England if your major is English Lit.
I think you should speak with your school advisor and plan your study abroad program to coincide with your studies rather than ask what country people on this board prefer.
I think you should speak with your school advisor and plan your study abroad program to coincide with your studies rather than ask what country people on this board prefer.
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:03 AM
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How are your foreign language skills? Or have you found programs that are conducted in English.
A young relative of mine spend a year abroad stuyding music - in Scotland - since her other language skills weren't good enough to make some of the other choices possible for her. (And she preferred not to live for so long where she would have trouble communicating with most locals.)
A young relative of mine spend a year abroad stuyding music - in Scotland - since her other language skills weren't good enough to make some of the other choices possible for her. (And she preferred not to live for so long where she would have trouble communicating with most locals.)
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:07 AM
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I don't get all these questions about the university's own programs. Of course some unis have such connections but it is half the fun to organise a semester abroad by yourself. You learn far more than if you just follow a pre-organised program. Yes it is far more work but of a rewarding kind. I went to Canada for a semester when I was student - my uni didn't have any connections with the U Toronto so I found a scholarship to spend several months there.
Lauren, there is no definite answer to your question. Which languages do you speak (even a little)? What is your field of study? What is the goal of going abroad - academic or social? Depending on this the answer may change.
Lauren, there is no definite answer to your question. Which languages do you speak (even a little)? What is your field of study? What is the goal of going abroad - academic or social? Depending on this the answer may change.
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:27 AM
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Language skills are indeed a point you have to consider. Even if you find a programme in English, living in a foreign country, renting a room, organizing daily life require decent communication skills in that country's language.
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:29 AM
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Thanks for all the replies. Now to clear up a few things:
All of the countries I listed are places that my university has programs with. I am a business major and all of these countries have classes I could take for my major in english.
I speak a little bit of spanish, but the program in spain doesn't offer enough classes I could take. And it's a bit on the expensive side.
I am wanting to study abroad in a country for a semester. I would like to be able to travel around to some other countries, but mainly I want to really get to know the people of the country I choose. I'm a fairly conservative person so I don't want any place too crazy that I would never feel like I could fit in. I also need a place that a fair amount of the people speak english, but I am willing to learn as much as I can of another language to help me get by.
And lastly, I am reasearching these countries on my own too. I just thought that hearing first hand from some poeple about these countries could help me make a decision.
All of the countries I listed are places that my university has programs with. I am a business major and all of these countries have classes I could take for my major in english.
I speak a little bit of spanish, but the program in spain doesn't offer enough classes I could take. And it's a bit on the expensive side.
I am wanting to study abroad in a country for a semester. I would like to be able to travel around to some other countries, but mainly I want to really get to know the people of the country I choose. I'm a fairly conservative person so I don't want any place too crazy that I would never feel like I could fit in. I also need a place that a fair amount of the people speak english, but I am willing to learn as much as I can of another language to help me get by.
And lastly, I am reasearching these countries on my own too. I just thought that hearing first hand from some poeple about these countries could help me make a decision.
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:37 AM
#11
Hi lauren,
That's very helpful.
Now can you tell us what your hobbies/interests are?
What do you like to do when you travel?
What kind of weather do you like/hate?
Regarding language, Danes, Swedes, Dutch are all good with speaking English. You may have a tougher time in Portugal and Lithuania. My daughter says Portuguese is not really like Spanish although many people say it is... I don't know. Germany many speak English in the cities - esp Berlin and Munich. I think those in Iceland also speak English.
BTW, I'm an American living in Switzerland and I travel a lot so I hopefully can give you some decent insights. One thing I like about Switzerland is how easy it is to get from here to everywhere else. I think Germany would also provide that kind of accessibility.
gruezi
That's very helpful.
Now can you tell us what your hobbies/interests are?
What do you like to do when you travel?
What kind of weather do you like/hate?
Regarding language, Danes, Swedes, Dutch are all good with speaking English. You may have a tougher time in Portugal and Lithuania. My daughter says Portuguese is not really like Spanish although many people say it is... I don't know. Germany many speak English in the cities - esp Berlin and Munich. I think those in Iceland also speak English.
BTW, I'm an American living in Switzerland and I travel a lot so I hopefully can give you some decent insights. One thing I like about Switzerland is how easy it is to get from here to everywhere else. I think Germany would also provide that kind of accessibility.
gruezi
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:42 AM
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> I am a business major and all of these countries have classes I could take for my major in english.
Can't speak for other countries, but in Germany "classes" in english not always correspond with high quality of teaching. Often, run-of-the-mill small unis or FHs polish up their image by offering such programs. If you simply want to have an insight into the country they are fine, just don't expect the best lecturers and the best business contacts the country has to offer. If you get a business classes program at the universities of Mannheim, Passau or Cologne (possibly also LMU Munich - these are considered top for economics), go for it! Otherwise a second look might be useful.
Can't speak for other countries, but in Germany "classes" in english not always correspond with high quality of teaching. Often, run-of-the-mill small unis or FHs polish up their image by offering such programs. If you simply want to have an insight into the country they are fine, just don't expect the best lecturers and the best business contacts the country has to offer. If you get a business classes program at the universities of Mannheim, Passau or Cologne (possibly also LMU Munich - these are considered top for economics), go for it! Otherwise a second look might be useful.
Oct 4th, 2008, 10:50 AM
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Hi Lauren,
Your second post is a much better explanation of what your looking for.
Since you don't have a second language it will be more difficult to get to know people in countries where the native language is not English so I would recommend Ireland, England, or Scotland. You won't be able to learn much of a foreign language in one semester so I would stick with the English speaking countries.
English is a major language in Malta but I think it would be more difficult to get to know people there and there is less to do in Malta than in the other countries. Malta is very small, approximately 9 miles by 17 miles. You could easily get to Sicily from Malta but other places would require some time and money to travel to.
I would probably choose England for a semester based on moderate climate, ease of traveling, access to London with its many sightseeing opportunities (and many free museums), major university towns, and many more wonderful things.
Please let us know which country you choose and why and have a great time during your semester abroad.
Your second post is a much better explanation of what your looking for.
Since you don't have a second language it will be more difficult to get to know people in countries where the native language is not English so I would recommend Ireland, England, or Scotland. You won't be able to learn much of a foreign language in one semester so I would stick with the English speaking countries.
English is a major language in Malta but I think it would be more difficult to get to know people there and there is less to do in Malta than in the other countries. Malta is very small, approximately 9 miles by 17 miles. You could easily get to Sicily from Malta but other places would require some time and money to travel to.
I would probably choose England for a semester based on moderate climate, ease of traveling, access to London with its many sightseeing opportunities (and many free museums), major university towns, and many more wonderful things.
Please let us know which country you choose and why and have a great time during your semester abroad.
Oct 4th, 2008, 11:31 AM
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Well let's start with the fact that given current exchange rates NO European countries will have "a decent cost of living" vs. the US. While I agree with Adrienne's post, the UK countries will be the most expensive, but otherwise they do offer all the other things you want. Where you'd be located within England may make a big difference for both expense and ability to travel around Europe. Is housing included in your program or would you have to arrange that separately?
Oct 4th, 2008, 11:39 AM
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>Well let's start with the fact that given current exchange rates NO European countries will have "a decent cost of living" vs. the US.
Well let's start with not making such nonsense statements. You argue from a tourist standpoint. What do you think students do to live in European countries? Beg on the streets? There is usually student-priced housing available. Rent, especially if you don't expect 5 star hotel standards, is lower than in most US cities (at least in central areas) - let's exclude Paris, London, Rome and Zürich, but otherwise it's valid. There is plenty of good value supermarkets, where the food is not really more expensive than in USA. So what is your point?
Well let's start with not making such nonsense statements. You argue from a tourist standpoint. What do you think students do to live in European countries? Beg on the streets? There is usually student-priced housing available. Rent, especially if you don't expect 5 star hotel standards, is lower than in most US cities (at least in central areas) - let's exclude Paris, London, Rome and Zürich, but otherwise it's valid. There is plenty of good value supermarkets, where the food is not really more expensive than in USA. So what is your point?
Oct 4th, 2008, 11:48 AM
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Hi Lauren
My choice would be Sweden. My second would be Holland.
Many Swedes speak fluent English, as well as many other languages. And, to learn the Swedish language, it's much easier than the Dutch. Germany is tough to learn, Portugese is tough too.
Sweden has a lot of classes to teach you to speak their language. I've learned there as well as my wife. Within three months a group of students could converse together in Swedish. Okay, not perfect but we could talk. Some were Iranians, some from Poland, Lebanon, German, Hong Kong, one from Jamaica, and us. We didn't have a common language until we take this class.
Sweden is very expensive but so are the previous choices. Yet, for off-class activities in Sweden, they can be very cheap (free).
The first lesson from the Swedes. There's not bad weather, it's just bad clothes. Bring warm clothes.
Blackduff
My choice would be Sweden. My second would be Holland.
Many Swedes speak fluent English, as well as many other languages. And, to learn the Swedish language, it's much easier than the Dutch. Germany is tough to learn, Portugese is tough too.
Sweden has a lot of classes to teach you to speak their language. I've learned there as well as my wife. Within three months a group of students could converse together in Swedish. Okay, not perfect but we could talk. Some were Iranians, some from Poland, Lebanon, German, Hong Kong, one from Jamaica, and us. We didn't have a common language until we take this class.
Sweden is very expensive but so are the previous choices. Yet, for off-class activities in Sweden, they can be very cheap (free).
The first lesson from the Swedes. There's not bad weather, it's just bad clothes. Bring warm clothes.
Blackduff
Oct 4th, 2008, 11:49 AM
#17
Lauren,
I'm actually leaning away from recommending the English speaking countries because I'm afraid they just won't give you the same kind of cultural experience you might find elsewhere.
Living amongst another language and the people who speak it is a different experience completely than moving somewhere where your language is spoken. True the culture will be different, but just not as different.
Hope you'll consider somewhere a bit more challenging than England, Ireland, or Scotland much as I love those countries.
You are young - go for the big plunges not the safe ones!
gruezi
I'm actually leaning away from recommending the English speaking countries because I'm afraid they just won't give you the same kind of cultural experience you might find elsewhere.
Living amongst another language and the people who speak it is a different experience completely than moving somewhere where your language is spoken. True the culture will be different, but just not as different.
Hope you'll consider somewhere a bit more challenging than England, Ireland, or Scotland much as I love those countries.
You are young - go for the big plunges not the safe ones!
gruezi
Oct 4th, 2008, 12:39 PM
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I wasn't going to comment on this thread until I read gruezi's last post. I'm a year into life as an expat just outside of London. I love it -- we're having the time of our lives! I would completely recommend it to anyone else in my situation -- but not in yours!
I'm a trailing spouse which means I don't work and my son is just starting school. For both of those reasons it has been helpful to live in an English speaking country.
You're young (not that I'm old . . . but probably older!) and you don't have the attachments/restrictions that I do. Live it up! Who cares if it's tough to communicate? Hand gestures and homemade sign language can work wonders. Every day will be in adventure -- that's what you want right?
Good luck in this decision and let us know what you decide!
I'm a trailing spouse which means I don't work and my son is just starting school. For both of those reasons it has been helpful to live in an English speaking country.
You're young (not that I'm old . . . but probably older!) and you don't have the attachments/restrictions that I do. Live it up! Who cares if it's tough to communicate? Hand gestures and homemade sign language can work wonders. Every day will be in adventure -- that's what you want right?
Good luck in this decision and let us know what you decide!
Oct 4th, 2008, 01:28 PM
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Ok, I must say all your your posts are so helpful. Thanks for taking the time to give me some advice.
Gruezi,
I understand what you mean by not playing it safe with an english speaking country. I've been kind of leaning away from a strictly english speaking place just for that reason. It would be nice if the people did speak some english, but I am willing to start working on learning another language now so I have the basics down in time for me trip next fall. Also, I'm from texas so I like the warmer weather, but I could put up with some cold for a little while. So far when I have traveled I haven't been able to stay in one place for very long, so that's part of the experience I'm looking for with studying abroad. I love the countryside, but I also love cities so it seems like pretty much any place would be good for me. I just have so many choices!
Altamiro,
Thanks for the advice about watching out for english classes. Luckily the program in Germany is with the university in cologne. Also, have you been to Malta? What are the people like?
Mcclaurie,
Housing would be separate from my tuition, but most of the universities offer on campus living. The program in England is in liverpool.
Blackduff,
Thanks for the info about Sweden. What do you know about the people there? Are they generally pretty nice? I'll probably being going by myself so I want some place that will be easy to meet people.
BKP,
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep you guys posted on what I end up deciding.
So...I've also been doing some research this afternoon and I'm really liking what I see in Denmark, The Netherlands, and Malta. Does anyone have any more information on what it's like to live in those places? And I'm not ruling out the previous options so feel free to comment on those countries as well.
Gruezi,
I understand what you mean by not playing it safe with an english speaking country. I've been kind of leaning away from a strictly english speaking place just for that reason. It would be nice if the people did speak some english, but I am willing to start working on learning another language now so I have the basics down in time for me trip next fall. Also, I'm from texas so I like the warmer weather, but I could put up with some cold for a little while. So far when I have traveled I haven't been able to stay in one place for very long, so that's part of the experience I'm looking for with studying abroad. I love the countryside, but I also love cities so it seems like pretty much any place would be good for me. I just have so many choices!
Altamiro,
Thanks for the advice about watching out for english classes. Luckily the program in Germany is with the university in cologne. Also, have you been to Malta? What are the people like?
Mcclaurie,
Housing would be separate from my tuition, but most of the universities offer on campus living. The program in England is in liverpool.
Blackduff,
Thanks for the info about Sweden. What do you know about the people there? Are they generally pretty nice? I'll probably being going by myself so I want some place that will be easy to meet people.
BKP,
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep you guys posted on what I end up deciding.
So...I've also been doing some research this afternoon and I'm really liking what I see in Denmark, The Netherlands, and Malta. Does anyone have any more information on what it's like to live in those places? And I'm not ruling out the previous options so feel free to comment on those countries as well.
Oct 4th, 2008, 02:09 PM
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Hi Lauren
I found the Swedes as being extremely nice. I lived there for ten years and I have a lot of Swedes which I meet from time to time.
I owned a Labrador in Sweden and the dog was worked in field trials. I learned a lot of my Swedish during the field trials~I worked in the trials as being a "worker". During the trials I met many, many Swedes which we still have contact.
I moved from Sweden in 1988 yet I still have lots of friends from that time. I even married while I lived in Sweden.
So, it's very easy to meet friends there. You can especially meet younger people. I think that leisure will be very different than Texas. First, it will be cheaper. People cannot spend a lot of money, so their activities are mostly free. You might find a weekend in someone's country house, making meals together and just "hanging".
Give it a very serious thought about Sweden. It will give you a good memory.
Blackduff
I found the Swedes as being extremely nice. I lived there for ten years and I have a lot of Swedes which I meet from time to time.
I owned a Labrador in Sweden and the dog was worked in field trials. I learned a lot of my Swedish during the field trials~I worked in the trials as being a "worker". During the trials I met many, many Swedes which we still have contact.
I moved from Sweden in 1988 yet I still have lots of friends from that time. I even married while I lived in Sweden.
So, it's very easy to meet friends there. You can especially meet younger people. I think that leisure will be very different than Texas. First, it will be cheaper. People cannot spend a lot of money, so their activities are mostly free. You might find a weekend in someone's country house, making meals together and just "hanging".
Give it a very serious thought about Sweden. It will give you a good memory.
Blackduff
