Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (French Studies (Teaching), University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

ISEP Exchange: Caen - Exchange Program at Université de Caen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to overcome my fears and experience the lifestyle of another.

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?

We had to pay a security deposit and then we didn't get the original amount back when we came back home, because they charged us to wire it.

* Food:

The schools restaurants were always the same and. It great. I cooked a lot for myself

* 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)

The food was more expensive than the program thought, so I used a lot of my own money which was not planned.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-90 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take at least 2,000 with you a semester.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 325
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? Even with your fellow English speakers speak the language!!!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The people!
  • The outside of the uni food
  • Families I met
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of money
  • The living arrangements
  • The french consulate
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive it really was and that I wouldn't have WiFi until 7 days after I arrived!!!!!!!

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!