Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing study abroad experience Past Review

By (Franklin & Marshall College) - abroad from 01/03/2019 to 05/05/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My semester abroad was easily one of the most amazing semesters of college. My french significantly improved, I was able to take very interesting classes and was able to fully immerse myself in the french culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of my classes were in French, classes weren't too hard, but APA would provide you with any additional help you needed/wanted!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic on-site staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a homestay family, and had an amazing experience!

* Food:

* 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 could not have asked for a better program. The APA staff were incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my entire time in Paris.

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

We were expected to only speak in French when we were with other students from the program.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Really push yourself to only speak in french, you will really notice an improvement at the end of your experience!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Homestay
  • Academics
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt like I had all of the information I needed!

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!