Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cultural and language immersion in Paris August 23, 2022

By (Environmental Policy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 05/31/2022 with

Université Paris Cité: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a cultural context to pair with my learning of the language. Yes, it was worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

France had amazing food, but the options at my housing accommodations weren’t well suited to vegetarian eaters.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I greatly improved my French, and was fully immersed in the culture.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look into places that have good food and drink subscription deals. They often coffee and lunch much cheaper than you could find otherwise.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Through the Middlebury School in France on Zoom — Gender Studies in France
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to meet people outside of the program! Sign up for language partnerships

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Opportunity to meet local students
  • Cultural opportunities (museums, food)
  • Field trips in classes/travel within region was accessible
* What could be improved?
  • Academic support within universities (I know this is difficult!)
  • Housing accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That academics are totally manageable. I was worried about failing my program because of the language barrier, but it was designed to be okay.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Urban Studies (English title)
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Sophie Baudet-Michel
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Question of development (English title)
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Amandine Spire, JB Lanne
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Territorial politics and environmental links (English title)
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: François Bétard
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Biogeography

Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Étienne Grésillon
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: