Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Reflecting on Study Abroad Past Review

By (Grove City College) - abroad from 09/06/2017 to 12/20/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester at Aix-en-Provence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and my personality. I learned how to REALLY step out of my comfort zone and try new things. My life will never be the same!

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:

* 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

I love Aix-en-Provence, CISabroad, and IAU! Everything was handled well and my semester abroad was perfect.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat every meal out! Buying groceries at the local market is a great way to save money while still eating well and enjoying food just like the natives!

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level French
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? Speak it with your friends and host family. Speaking it with friends is a great, non-pressure way to practice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • School location
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • VISA application process help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's a lot easier to plan weekend trips once you're there than you think. All the other students will be looking for travel buddies, too! Don't stress too much about planning ahead and just wait until you get there!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!