Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wow That Was Way Too Short Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 06/03/2012 with

Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned that Paris is, indeed, a real place, with a cultural background worthy of appreciation and study to last years.

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.

* 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)

* 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? $150-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't blow all your money shopping! Subside on street food if you must.

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

Speaking French was not a required part of the program, but since I have had prior academic experience with the language, I decided to make full use of it.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate French II
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? Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to ask questions in a foreign language. Not everyone will put you down for being non-fluent.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • It was my first time going abroad, and I have always wanted to go to Paris
  • The city itself was fascinating and I'm tempted to return in the future to explore it further!
  • I could apply my knowledge of the history and character of Paris to the city as I walked through it, which is much better than simply sitting in a classroom.
* What could be improved?
  • Perhaps more guidance for French-speaking students who want to improve their language skills.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Food is expensive!