Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Study Abroad Experience with APA Paris Spring 2011 Semester Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 01/07/2010 to 05/27/2011 with

Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through APA I made lifelong friends, learned how to speak French fluently, and was able to get to know the city of Paris inside and out. It was very worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Personalized, thoughtful approach to administrating our host families, academic programming, and cultural programming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was wonderful, and I still keep in touch with them to this day.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a variety of cultural programming and two weekend visits outside of Paris, all of which helped us learn more about the French 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

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)

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

All of my classes were taught in French, coupled with living with a French family, which ultimately left me with fluency in the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd year college level
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? Watch foreign films without the subtitles, or TV shows.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Personalized and individually tailored programming
  • Intimate group of students
  • Constant support and help from staff
* What could be improved?
  • More choice on the types and quantity of cultural programming offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As with any study abroad experience, be prepared to spend more money than anticipated!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.