Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Très bien! Past Review

By (The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 04/30/2016 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did my ability to speak French improved tremendously, but I also became more confident in both traveling and immersing myself in a foreign culture. I also found a newfound love for the French people and the French country, and I hope one day to return to live there. Study abroad left me with bigger goals and bigger dreams for my future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

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? 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? One semester of advanced French
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • We spoke French almost exclusively at the IES Abroad Center
  • The IES Abroad Center held several field trips and cultural events, in which students were able to further immerse themselves within the city.
  • Classes met only four days a week, giving students three days off to explore and enjoy Paris.
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, I have very few complaints about my program. It met all of my expectations. However, with that being said, I know that some of my classmates had issues with their housing and felt that IES Abroad did not properly address these issues. So perhaps the communication between the housing department and students could be more efficient.
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One thing I wish I had known before going into this program was to not be so shy when going out to interact with locals. Because my host mother only prepared three meals a week, I was on my own most of the time for food. I did not go out to eat a lot simply because I was shy and nervous around the French waiters; I was afraid that they were going to judge my intermediate French. Now, looking back, I realize that I should not have been so worried; most French people are very patient and kind towards those who are learning their language. I should not have let my fear get in the way of me enjoying the French cuisine.

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.