One for the books August 30, 2023

By (Data science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2023 to 05/28/2023 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience taught me how to fully be independent in everyday life and travel

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was none

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I lived in had several issues and the management were often slow to respond.

* 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:

The district I lived in was very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Although the program was very educative thanks to the attached class, it was a difficult time for me and I didn’t feel connected with the city and people

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)

The monthly stipend I received was very little and I had to live on a really frugal budget, rarely having money to enjoy myself

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Kiswahili
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Study trip at the end of the program
  • The Wellesley class attached to the program
* What could be improved?
  • Support
  • Increasing the stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring a friend

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French and Culture I

Course Department: French
Instructor: Emilie Darzi
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The class was very helpful in getting me accustomed to the French way of life.
Credit Transfer Issues: