Studying Abroad in France was a life altering experience. When can I go back?!?!? Past Review

By (Accounting, Illinois State University) for

ICN Business School Nancy-Metz: Nancy - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES! I wish I could do it all again! Now I am looking for an internship abroad and job opportunities that allow international travel. I am much more culturally aware and have a lot of international friends now. I appreciate them that much more!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Bertrand was extremely helpful and accommodating. He was supportive academically and when planning trips outside the classroom. He was always available to discuss your travel arrangements and gave suggestions and comments. My expectations were exceeded with the program. I loved every second I was there and never felt like I could go to the faculty for assistance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing arrangement. It was the perfect balance between Americans and local students. It was in the perfect location and I never felt unsafe or like any of my needs went unmet.

* Food:

The food took some getting used to. I am glad that I had the experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did a lot of traveling as a group. It was a lot of fun and I was able to see a ton of historical places.

* 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

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? Be aware that you should always have extra money in case anything comes up such as added fees to have bags on an airplane. No extra expenses came up during the program, only when I traveled alone.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
Language acquisition improvement?

Keep a small note pad on you at all times if you can. Take class notes in it as well. It will be much more practical and helpful when using French in your day to day activities.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Program Director
* What could be improved?
  • More orientations prior
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student who does not want to go to a touristy area and would like to spend a lot of time travelling on weekends and while in the program.