Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wow. Past Review

By (Psychology & French, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/15/2014 with

ISEP Exchange: Rennes - Exchange Program at Université de Rennes 2 (Haute-Bretagne)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, I have become less shy and open to more experience. I have learned to question things, and see things more from a different perspective.

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.

I took French and Psych classes... I would recommend only French classes, but if you want, I would go Fall semester, Licence 1 classes if you want to take Psychology classes. Only because their courses continue from semester to semester, and year to year. Unlike how we do at UWL.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Disorganized. What you can expect from a French institution.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was nice, but be sure to be thorough in your cleaning at the end of the semester. They charged me 50 euro for some things that took 5 minutes to clean.

* Food:

They give you a 320 euro stipend a month for food. The first and last month are pro-rata.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I LOVED RENNES AND THE BRITTANY REGION OF FRANCE. It is arguable the most unique region in France. :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Well it kind of sucks that you have to buy ISEP's healthcare plan as well as sign up for the Sécu. It's kind of expensive and feels like a waste of money if you don't get sick.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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? 40 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the Restaurant-U for Lunch. It is cheap and you get a lot for your money. However, food in general is very cheap in France.

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

It was an exchange program, in regular university classes. I used French all of the time.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FRE 430
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? Listen to French radio, conversation tables with French club. Find a speaking buddy. Reach out to foreign exchange students at your home university.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Rennes
  • CIREFE
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm treatment
  • Choosing classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How their university class system is structured, so that I avoided choosing classes that were too advanced for me.

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!