Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

LOVED SUNNY MONTPELLIER Past Review

By (French Language Teacher Education., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/19/2013 with

ISEP Exchange: Montpellier - Exchange Program at Université Paul Valéry (Montpellier III)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worth it. It was hard getting adjusted, but the time of my life. Sad I couldn't have stayed longer. Become such a strong person. Really noticed my French improvements once I got home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depended of if I was going somewhere that weekend
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save. Save. Save. And spend it all. Don't hold back while you're abroad. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you want it, buy it. If you want to go somewhere, go.

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? University 300 level courses
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? Go out! Meet French people. Don't stick with the other Americans.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Great host administration
  • ISEP really was organized
* What could be improved?
  • Make home-stay an option!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important home-stay is to learn culture and practice language more

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!