Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I would love to relive again Past Review

By (Lee University) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

Accès: Strasbourg - Accès Classique: Semester Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is so much bigger and diverse than I expected it to be. It's an amazing feeling to know that each person that you meet can shape how you think and perceive the world around you. While abroad I was able to further appreciate the French culture and fall in love with it on a personal level. I wasn't just learning about it through my textbook or personal stories, I was living it myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

The town where I was studying was big enough where I could find new things to do every day but still small enough where I could recognize locals doing their daily routines.

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? Approximately 30 euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start to save money months beforehand. It's better to go abroad with too much money and come home with some cash in your pocket than to go abroad with just enough and not allowing yourself to experience things at the tail end of your trip just because you don't have enough money.

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? French 343
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stay out of your room unless you're sleeping. Go study in the local library or on campus where ever you're studying. Go walk around your town, visit local shops and talk to the workers, visit local museums or cultural sites. Listen to the local radio and watch news programs throughout the radio. Use as little of your native tongue as possible to fully utilize the chance of speaking your newly acquired language as much as possible.

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

  • 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?
  • Monthly excursions with the group
  • Being able to explore and travel by myself
  • Taking classes in a university
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I studied the region of where I was staying more so I can be better prepared on what kinds of excursions/travels I could do. Even though I was able to travel to other countries and visit the cities I've been dreaming about I wish I explored local cities around me as well.

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!