Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If there's one thing I learned, its that I know nothing Past Review

By (Washington State University) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

IES Abroad: Nice - Business, Sustainability & Immigration

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cultural knowledge and really figured out that you can do anything you put your mind to.

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.

The 3 hour long classes were dull. More variety could have been offered such as business classes.

* 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?

i didn't feel very integrated into the local culture because there weren't any mixers with international students. I ended up making friends with kids from other countries who spoke a different language than the home country I was in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare was easily accessible but the local healthcare system is much more relaxed. I almost felt like the doctor didn't have as much knowledge as the practitioners back home. It was hard to communicate what the problem was.

* Safety:

I didn't feel safe walking home alone at night, but that happens in every big city. The police presence isn't as strong in European countries but if you use transportation, it's not as scary.

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

The administration and classes were unorganized.

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)

Food in France is very expensive. Everything is local and if you want to cook your own food, you buy the day of because portion sizes are so small and the space you have to store it is limited.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely make a list of meals that are quick, and cheap. You should plan and set a budget on how much you want to grocery shop. Be realistic and give yourself money to eat out every week. You're abroad! It's part of the experience and that way you can account for that in your budget.

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

I only really used the language during class.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 304
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? Do a homestay!!! I 100% wish I would have done it.

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

  • 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?
  • Apartment
  • Planned excursions
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Course Work
  • Group events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Moments are better than things.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.