Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My biggest regret is that I didn't stay longer! Past Review

By (Biology and French and Francophone Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad and doing an internship was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I really got to experience what it is like to work and live in another country. Because of how integrated my daily life was with French culture my French significantly improved!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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)

Paris is a wonderful, but very expensive city. It is incredibly important to make sure you have a well planned budget as food, transportation and taking advantage of what the city has to offer can get expensive fairly quickly.

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
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? Don't be afraid to try to speak the language of whatever country you live in. In Paris, people are very receptive when you try to speak French even if it's not perfect. Also if you start a conversation in French and the person replies in English, most often they are just trying to be respectful, but be persistent and keep speaking in French if you can. This is one of the best ways to practice the language in your every day life while abroad

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The internship part of the program was incredible. The BU Paris staff really worked with me to find an incredible internship placement!
* What could be improved?
  • I think it would be great if the program somehow found a way to connect the students to those at French universities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had know how much I would love my experience so that I could have made plans to stay abroad for longer!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.