Can't skip an experience like that Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 06/01/2018 to 07/29/2018 with

AIFS: Paris - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain so much from studying abroad. Traveling and actually staying long enough abroad to be submerged in the culture and traditions can open your mind and expose you to different views from your own. Studying abroad definitely gives you the tools to be better prepared for the fast-paced globalized world we live in.

Review Photos

AIFS: Paris - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises Photo AIFS: Paris - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises Photo AIFS: Paris - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises Photo

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

The program was not well prepared when it came to placing everyone in the housing they asked for and the help given before departure was confusing and the lady was rude.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can not eat out all the time. Find a good balance between enjoying all the new food you're being exposed to and cooking if you get the chance. Also have some self control on the things you buy abroad, remember the weight of your suitcase counts.

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? intermediate
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? You have to take risks speaking. Wether you speak the language perfectly or not you have to talk as much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Cultural Events
  • Host Family
  • Medical Aid
* What could be improved?
  • Preparedness
  • Departure Staff
  • Instructions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I was better informed on the daily routine I was going to have so I could have packed and budget my money better.

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!