Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Amazing Past Review

By (Washington State University) - abroad from 05/24/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

AIFS: Grenoble - University of Grenoble - French Language and Culture and Intensive French Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much French capability, I amaze myself sometimes when I find myself thinking in French or speaking it with much ease

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:

* 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? No

I love AIFS, but I don't think I would go to the exact same place again. With the options that AIFS gives to go around Europe and explore the host country I would rather go to another town.

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? $300

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? B1.6
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? Try not to speak your mother tongue, it may be difficult but you will definitely learn more that way.

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?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • I wouldn't change it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to try new things, this should be a given, but always keep an open mind. I even ended up eating some horse steak because my host father prepared it just for me!

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!