Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience is worth it Past Review

By (University of Portland) - abroad from 01/09/2019 to 05/04/2019 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained experience in making completely independent decisions in situations I have never been in, which taught me a lot about myself. Along with this, during the program I was making lasting bonds with new friends and with my host family, trying new cuisines, improving my French speaking and listening skills, opening my mind to different activities when traveling in Europe, and learning about new people and cultures through conversations. This experience was worthwhile, as the new perspectives I have gained living in a culture so different from mine reminded me of how beautiful and vast the world is and how little I really knew of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I had a minor health issue at the beginning of the program and the staff put me in contact with a doctor very easily.

* Safety:

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

It pushed me to grow in my French language proficiency and at the same time gave me the opportunity to grow in independence, learn about new cultures, and make new connections that will last.

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? about $100

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? Intermediate
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? French literature
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? use the language as much as possible

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • my host family
  • my fellow study abroad students
* What could be improved?
  • ies grammar class schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are expenses that you don't expect ie spontaneous trips, mandatory fees, etc. so I would have saved more money before the program. Also, there are opportunities available to earn money abroad. As for the program specifically , I wish I knew that the IES and university classes are catered for the student to succeed, so there is no need to worry about failing any of them if you put in the effort.

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!