<p>Our son is a freshman this year and applied to attend the Germany campus for his sophomore year.</p>
<p>Any insight on how hard it is to get in? What are the benefits of spending a year there? Is it a worthwhile experience?</p>
<p>Should he get a train pass to see the rest of Europe during off times or are there organized trips?</p>
<p>Any advice appreciated</p>
<p>My D went to Italy, but just for the summer. Some of her friends have done a year overseas. If you apply for the year it is easier than for a semester. It was an Incredible experience, the best she says! She did do a lot of traveling. She did get a train pass, but just for Italy. I would recommend the rail pass, but investigate, it can be very confusing! Go to the Eurail site. The dollar is worth very little right now so everything is expensive. She applied fo this coming summer but was waitlisted:(</p>
<p>SO god luck to your son...It will be great! If he get's in, let me know and we will share some packing and travel tips. (cell phones are crazy!)</p>
<p>I'm currently studying abroad in London through Pepperdine, and highly recommend the overseas experience, it's been absolutely amazing.</p>
<p>How hard it is to get in partially depends on the program; some have more open spots than others, and some are more popular. One of my friends was initially waitlisted for Germany last year (she was applying for first semester), but was accepted not too long after. Of the people I knew that applied, it seems like everyone who wanted to go overseas ended up going somewhere, and in most cases it was their first choice.</p>
<p>I don't know much about train passes (from London we usually fly for traveling), but it seems like most people in the other programs have them. There are a few organized trips (one big trip in each semester, plus we've had a couple organized day trips), but by far most of my traveling has been with friends, planned ourselves.</p>
<p>ennaxor--</p>
<p>Did you find it difficult to get into the London program especially? If I end up at Pepperdine next year, I'm definitely planning on studying in London sophomore year. (They seemed to encourage going sophomore year at Preview Day, at least.) I'd definitely want to go for the entire year. Is that what you're doing?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I didn't find it too difficult to get into the program, though from what I've heard the London program is one of the most popular. Pretty much you just fill out an application online (which includes an essay) and have an interview with the faculty member that will be visiting that country for the session you've applied for. I think they <em>might</em> look at your grades and such from high school as well when making decisions, but I'm not 100% sure on that.</p>
<p>Sophomore year is definitely when most people go if they go during the year, since it's mainly GE classes you take while overseas, so if you wait much longer it will be really hard to get classes that fit with your schedule. I am here for the full year, and as JC* said, they do give a slight priority to those who apply for a year over one semester.</p>