Type of housing:
With a family

Arranged by:
Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose:
With a family
Why? It's nicer, you don't feel so alone, so out of place. You learn much more and not just the language but the habits and cultural differences.

Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city

Travel, Activities take/s place mostly within the university/student environment

Nightlife take/s place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Course recommendations:
You have to arrive some days earlier to be able to choose the courses you want to do. This is very important because if you don't no teacher will let you go to classes because they are full.

The language of instruction was:
English

My proficiency in the language of instruction:
before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
after: At ease in most situations

Learning the language of instruction was a factor in choosing my host country

The local language was:
Different than language of instruction

My proficiency in the local language:
before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
after: At ease in most situations

Learning the local language was a factor in choosing my host country

Main source of funding:
Family

Other sources of funding:
Personal savings

Work opportunities
I didn't explore any work options.

Personal spending habits:
Telephone is very expensive in germany - i sugest a pre payd card!!! In portugal i lived withmy parents so i didnt need to pay anything. But the price i payed was ok, not expensive at all. Overall i spent more money because i went out a lot more!

I wish I had known ...
Be prepared to be alone and feel out of place for a few days... It's normal but it will pass! Take something to entertain you like dvds or something you like to do alone for the first days. Take some pictures from your friends to put in your room.

In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!