Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying Abroad is the Most Rewarding Thing One Could Do! Past Review

By (Ohio University) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Paris - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile. I loved being in a new part of the world and seeing how others live their lives. I like new things and realizing that there is more in the world that what I see on a daily basis. I gained knowledge, skills, friends and memories on this trip. It motivated me to look for a career path that allows me to travel.

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?

* Food:

I am a picky eater therefore it was hard trying to find food I like. However, I did try new things. For example, eclairs or escargot! Most of everything I tried that was new, I loved. I like going abroad and trying new foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt comfortable being in Paris. I loved learning the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I know tensions are high right now in Paris but I felt comfortable and safe. CISabroad did a great job at informing us about any incidents and making sure we were and felt secure.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would definitely choose the same program. I loved everyday of it. There was always something to be doing. You literally learned something new every single day. I couldn't have been any happier experiencing how others live. It makes you appreciate how beautiful the world is and others cultures.

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? Between $50.00-$100.00.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you inform your bank that you will be going abroad. I had issues with my account being frozen and I couldn't use my card the first week of being abroad. Just make sure you take care of this a couple weeks before you leave/

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Three years of Latin
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? I attempted to speak the language everywhere I went. Listening is a good form of practice as well. I also made notecards and used websites to assist me.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions with my group
  • Exploring
  • Learning the Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How the credits transfer back at my home university.

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.