Good day all.

I am considering doing an international exchange next year for school. I know that I want to go to Europe; I am learning German now, but am neither proficient in nor comfortable with taking classes in German. So my choices are these: Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, and Hungary. I would like to go to either Sweden, Finland, or the Czech Republic.

So I was wondering what FTers can tell me about those three countries and if they recommend it.

Thanks for the help.

-- Jake

I opt for Sweden.

I could tell you a little about Germany since I live there. Sweden and Finland I have never been to but had many friends tell me its awesome.
Czech republic I have been to with my grandfather some 8-9 years ago because he wanted to visit relatives before he was going to die. I cannot remember much of the country, only that the people had been very friendly. A lot might have changed since then.
So if you should need some more info about Germany, feel free to pm me.

Then why consider going to Hungary? If YOU don't want to, then don't.

I'd go for Sweden, if it were me.

I haven't been to Sweden for about 6 years or so, but way back then it had to be one of the most expensive countries I had ever been to (think $9 Big Mac meals and $7 beers). Has that changed?

Are there students in your school who have studied in any of those countries or are currently doing so? If so, you should get in touch with them and ask them about their experience. They will be very helpful in describing their experience at the school, both academically and socially, as well as in the country.

As I posted in another of your thread, we have hosted in excess of 70 foreign students at UCSD. UCSD is very tough academically; while they might take a rare weekend at Big Bear or Mexico, they really only travel on their quarter breaks - yearend and spring break. I expect that the yearend break in European schools is long enough for you to travel wherever you like. Thus, your campus experience is key to your satisfaction - and former study abroad participants are your best source of information on that.

Maybe I'm missing something obvious, but if you're studying German, why not go to Germany or maybe Switzerland for your exchange program? Even if your classes are in English, you will still have lots of opportunities to practice German outside class.

I wouldn't recommend Finland (or Sweden) though, as horrible climate aside, you'll probably find it a little difficult to mingle with the locals. Chinese friend of mine spent one year sharing a dorm at a Finnish uni with a Finnish guy (separate bedrooms, shared kitchen/bath), and during these 12 months the Finnish guy spoke to the Chinese guy exactly once:

"It's your turn to buy the toilet paper."