Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Swarthmore 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?
I had a wonderful time in France with APA! The language immersion really improved my skills. The events we had planned such as neighborhood visits, and weekend excursions were super fun and gave a lot of great historical overview. Academics were not too challenging but I still had some work to do with the language on a college level. I loved my host family and had a great time getting to know them. The APA staff is very helpful and hospitable, and are always around to answer questions. I would love to spend another semester if I could!!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Depending on your meal plan, have maybe a thousand or so dollars saved up. It'll help especially with leisure travel.

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
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? Speak French always!! It's tempting to speak English with other participants but it's better to stick with French.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Cultural trips
  • Language immersion
  • Level of academics
* What could be improved?
  • TIme management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I had enough time to explore the city. I spent a lot of time indoors because I was just a bit nervous living by myself, but there's nothing to fear and lots to see.

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!