Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Falling in Love with a City Past Review

By (French, Fordham University) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 07/17/2015 with

American University of Paris: Summer Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Deciding to spend last summer in Paris at AUP was the best decision of my collegiate career. From the Comforts of Home to the full Parisian immersion, the whole experience was everything that I wanted it to be and more. The academics were stimulating, the cultural excursions were all-encompassing, and I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had! The entire faculty made me feel so welcome in a new place, and inspired me to take advantage of every opportunity with which I was presented. The program was educational both academically and culturally- I would go back in a heartbeat. I would highly recommend spending a summer at AUP to anyone who who asked!

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

* 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)

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak the language to everyone and anyone that you can! Don't speak english with your friends.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • The cultural immersion
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More levels of French Immersion!
  • More on campus food options would've been nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing! It was great.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.