If I got a choice to go back I would do it all again! Past Review

By (Computer Science And Business, Berea College) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/30/2012 with

Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the history of France.

Review Photos

Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris 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.

It was a very nice experience I'm very happy that I was one of the 20 chosen to attend the trip.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was a very pleasant experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing had a very good set up.

* Food:

The food was great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt alright except for my lack in French speaking but that's my own fault.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They were addressed the best that was possible.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe most of the time for my first experience in a city.

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)

Could have been better if I received my Financial aide before the last 5 days of the trip.

* 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? $500-$700
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs until towards the end because you will likely find more interesting ones later.

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

It was recommended to use the French language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? Highschool Spanish 2
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? Take classes and practice with friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Arts
  • History
* What could be improved?
  • more free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A little bit of the French language.