Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I had never left. Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/17/2012 to 07/27/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned French, more about the French culture and life style, and what it means to be French. It was very worthwhile, I am actually returning to France in the Spring with a different program only because the new program offers an internship aspect to it.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - University Stendhal, Grenoble III Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had two different professors. The first professor was very unorganized and difficult to understand just because she jumped around so much. The second profesor I had was wonderful, and I learned a lot from her. There was a good amount of homework, not too much not too little. We did have to buy textbooks, and the program didn't budget for that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API staff in Grenoble was amazing, Marie and Anne in particular. I do not know what I would have done without them. Spectacular people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best experience with my host family. I really bonded with my host mom. She took me everywhere with her: to the lake, hiking, swimming, shopping, to her friends' houses, etc. I miss her so much. She made my experience so much better.

* Food:

French food is amazing. I am craving baguette and camabert at the moment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Paris, I got a really hostile vibe from the people there. The were always trying to rip us off and were very rude with our accents. However, in Grenoble, everyone was very welcoming and friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

A very safe community. I know that some of the other students in my program though felt a little sketchy walking back to their homes at night because they lived further away. I lived in the city center.

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)

It was a little bit more expensive than I expected, but that could have just been because I liked shopping a little bit too much.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say about 5-10 euros a day, so around 70 euros per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to buy groceries and keep them in your host family's fridge so that you don't have to go out to eat a lot of the time for food. That's where I spent most of my 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

The API staffers spoke in French, and my host mom knew very little English.

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 Literature
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? Go out there and meet the French people. Don't waste time only talking to Americans. Go to a bar and sit down and talk to the French! They will love it.

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?
  • My host mom
  • The mountains around the city
  • The people of Grenoble
* What could be improved?
  • The professors
  • The course content
  • The location of the API office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had bought a lot of the things I needed in France.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.