Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You Will Never Want to Leave Past Review

By (Landscape Design, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/05/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Paris - Paris Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an incredible experience. I'm getting married a month after I returned, and it was my last chance to travel before that opportunity will be available again. It's worth it. Traveling is always worth it. I have always loved France, so it was amazing for me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

I lived with a host family, and it was a great experience! We had dinner with them three times a week and it was a great way to get to know them and to be a part of a real French family.

* Food:

The food was the best part! I didn't eat anything I didn't like, and with all the walking you do, it doesn't make you put on any extra weight.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Too many students got nervous about being pick-pocketed or approached by people who would take your money. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and don't look nervous or do anything to make yourself an obvious target, you'll be just fine.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to have a budget before you go. Don't buy everything you see- wait until you find something you love or something unique to where you are. I spent so much because I have a lot of family members I wanted to get things for, but the most important part is living the experience and taking pictures instead of spending your money. It's worth it for the food though.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 202
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? It's easy to get out of the habit of speaking the language often - speak it as often as you can! It will help you more than you think, even if you're not comfortable with your speech. The more you speak, the faster it will become easier.

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

  • Other
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 food
  • the people
  • the history
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? packing - pack light: you will always buy stuff there and you can do laundry. You want enough room for your souvenirs!

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.