Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Going Abroad is Not Only Educational but The Best Decision You Will Ever Make. 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?
I learned more about the French culture whether that was because of school, food, site seeing, etc. I grew a deeper appreciation for things like art and other countries cultures. It changed me as a person and inspired me to want to become a study abroad advsior and to go abroad again.

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.

I enjoyed schooling in France! The reason I did not give it five stars is because my teacher and I did not get along the best. That is my own personal experience so don't get too discouraged!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our advisor was always there when we needed him!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a cute apartment about thirty minutes away from our Institut which I loved. I liked the location and the building.

* Food:

I absolutely loved the food! The only thing I would be cautious over is the hours restaurants and grocery stores are open. That took a little adjusting!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I tried to get out as much as possible and explore their unique and wonderful culture!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Personally, before I left I was a little worried about safety but once we got there I was not worried at all. I felt safe at all times even when serious matters where taking place in the town.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I thoroughly enjoyed Paris, France. It has always been my dream to go there but I did the urban environment and I am ready to experience a rural one.

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)

I was able to live on a college student's budget due to the fact I would visit cheaper grocery stores and buy food their versus going to an expensive one and not getting your money's worth.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $70 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save for your trip along with making sure your bank knows you will be abroad! If you are using a card make sure they are aware. I got an international card I could put money on but I also used my debit card a fair amount.

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

It was encouraged but not mandatory.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Latin 3
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? I used free language websites that assisted you if you are a beginner. I suggest looking up different ones to help!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The advisors/staff
  • Location
  • Peers
* What could be improved?
  • More communication or knowledge about the culture's teaching styles or the grading system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the unknown is scary but there is no need to stress over the future. I worried about my safety along with being home sick. After the first day of being in France, I was completely fine and wasted so much time worrying.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.