Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun but if you're already advanced, language improvement is on you Past Review

By (Wheaton College, IL) - abroad from 01/21/2017 to 05/14/2017 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The French Honors Program, Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in speaking French. It was definitely worth studying abroad, but maybe not with this program. I wanted more opportunities to interact with the locals

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:

On our own for lunch and my host family did not have a large variety of meals. Still tasted good, but it was all cheap, low quality food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need or use any healthcare.

* Safety:

Don't walk home at night

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

I didn't feel like I learned much from the school. I learned the most outside of the classroom

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)

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 level class
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? Make local friends outside of the program that you can practice speaking with

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Making friends(American and French)
  • Getting involved in the community
* What could be improved?
  • Challenge students to use their french outside the class more
  • Provide better resources to practice speaking the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cultural expectations upon entering a restaurant, store etc. and the need to greet people. Also, how to pay the check

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!