Enlightening Past Review

By (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 06/14/2015 with

MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at University of Paris - Sorbonne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up in ways that either I don't think I ever would have or it would have taken me years not in a setting like being abroad for a semester.

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? France is incredibly expensive, so try your best to save on what you can so that you can enjoy some of the very nice (and expensive) ammenities France has to offer (ie restaurants, etc..)

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? 4 years of highschool French
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? It is intimidating, but try and talk to as many natives as you can. Also, speak to your classmates and schoolmates in the language when you would normally be using English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Paris
  • Housing
  • Paid for Metro Card
* What could be improved?
  • UConn Advisor
  • Immersion with local students
  • Ease to take courses at other universities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To practice the language more than I did. I had so many people at my fingertips and opportunities all day every day where I could have been practicing but would often be intimidated and use English as much as I could. I would be leaving Paris with a much higher level of French if I didn't do that, and I will likely never be in a situation where I could improve so quickly again.