Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Savoie and Beyond April 27, 2022

By (Global Health & Economics, Appalachian State University) - abroad from 08/25/2021 to 12/11/2021 with

ISEP Exchange: Chambéry - Exchange Program at Université de Savoie

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a lot more self assured. It was definitely worthwhile

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 did not have any experience with health care other than being tested for COVID which was made very easy and was free

* Safety:

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

I loved my program, I met amazing people and the small town setting made it very possible to form bonds with the other international students

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)

I did not live on a students budget because I was trying to live lavishly, but it was definitely possible and I met many people that had less of a budget than me

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 140+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save everything you can, budgeting when you are abroad is much more difficult because you want to experience all that you can.

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? Beginner
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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the classes
  • the introduction week
  • the free time
* What could be improved?
  • clarify the grading system early on
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? traveling in Europe is cheaper than in the US but still more expensive than I expected.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.