Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The perfect study abroad experience! Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 02/03/2016 to 05/29/2016 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Paris - Semester in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the experience of a lifetime! I had so much independence to really live life like a Parisian. I had so many great experiences, both academic and cultural. It was so beneficial and I miss it everyday.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Paris - Semester in Paris Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

No food was provided on a regular basis in this program. Only a few meals we had as a group with program activities.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I caught a bad cold while abroad, but our on-site advisor got me into a doctor quickly and helped me solve the issue.

* 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)

It's really easy to spend a lot of money on food in Paris.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to talk to people, even if you aren't confident in your language skills yet. Practicing with natives is the best way to improve.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Location
  • Housing
  • Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Apartment could have been cozier/more homey
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have taken every opportunity to go out and explore more!

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.