Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The cultural experience I had been waiting for. Past Review

By (French Teaching, 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?
I learned about the French culture by seeing it first hand. It was definitely worth while.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend too much money on just regular food. Save it for special occasions and for when you want to try something new.

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? French 322
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? Practice with your host families as well as other students in the program. English is comfortable, but it say what you can in the foreign language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The exposure to the culture.
  • The practice with the language.
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of the target language spoken among students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was more prepared for the weather and had the appropriate clothing and footwear to be comfortable and stylish.