Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic immersion program. Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I have a strong ability to adapt to all situations. I am now comfortable conversing in French and have gained a confidence and maturity that had evaded me previously. This was the best experience I have ever had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great teachers - all in French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great director and staff. Very helpful and willing to make adjustments in many cases.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorm for American students at Cité Universitaire. Nice, large single room however was dissatisfied with resources such as kitchen and showers.

* Food:

I cooked for myself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The internship made me feel as though I was truly living the life of a Parisian. I spoke french all day at work, learned the nuances of french culture, and made french friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Paris is a very safe city, however there is a lot of petty theft. It is important to always be paying attention and aware of your surroundings. BU was helpful in preparing us for this.

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)

The euro is tough, but I was also irresponsible with my $$.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend money when you go out at night! Do not pay cover charges, find clubs without them and do not buy drinks at bars/clubs - VERY expensive and it adds up! Also, avoid cabs at all costs - they add up, too.

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

French spoken at all times in the classroom and french spoken all day at my internship.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 305 at William and Mary
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? Immerse yourself completely - find french friends or a french boyfriend, go out and force yourself to speak. They may speak english to you at first, but if you persist they will revert to French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The internship
  • The friends I made
  • Paris!!
* What could be improved?
  • More guidance before internship placement
  • More guidance before arriving (ex: visa info)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not be afraid to speak French, even if you make mistakes - that's how you learn.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'