One of the most challenging, rewarding experiences of my life. Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 05/13/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I greatly improved my French. I met some incredible friends. I learned about French culture, student life and the NGO world in a way I never would have if I did not complete this exchange. I gained independence and more confidence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

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?	No health care issues.
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes The language pledge was key in pushing me to use French and only French (as much as possible). Registering and taking classes at French universities is hugely important for language learning, culture and full immersion.

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)	Paris is quite expensive.

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?	210
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?	- Download Radio France App - Change all programs into French - Join an association at your university - Watch films/TV in French

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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?	Language Pledge French University
* What could be improved?	Guaranteed transferable credit Availability of tutors More assistance navigating French University
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known a little more about the French methodology and University system before coming.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Central European History
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Antoine Marès
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	I learned an incredible amount in this class. I loved the subject and the primary source documents however the class itself was very difficult and not stimulating. It was a pure stand and deliver lecture.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Contemporary Russian History
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Marie-Pierre Rey
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Excellent professor. Stand and deliver.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Contemporary African History
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Anne Hugon
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Great professor, very understanding. I did not like the structure of the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	France & Europe
Course Department:	Political Science
Instructor:	Marion Gaillard
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Professor Gaillard is an excellent professor. I really enjoyed her class, her teaching style and the diversity of assessments.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No credit is guaranteed. I have to bring all original documents and a syllabus back to Middlebury to appeal for credit. Credits should directly transfer, especially given that this is a Middlebury Abroad Program Class.

Course Name/Rating:	Laïcité
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Nicolas Roussellier
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Professor Roussellier is a great professor. I really enjoyed his class and the topics we covered. I appreciated that we went up to present day and covered "current events".
Credit Transfer Issues:	No direct transfers, again as this is a Middlebury Abroad Program, credit should easily and directly transfer.

Course Name/Rating:	Intermediate French
Course Department:	French
Instructor:	Patrick Guedon
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	This class was incredibly disappointing. I was looking for a grammar class to supplement my classes at the Sorbonne and this class was not stimulating or relevant. I did not learn a lot and I did not feel encouraged. I also wish we had spoken/discussed and debated in class more, practicing our oral skills.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	History of the French Revolution
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Pierre Serna
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Professor Serna was very challenging to follow and understand. Overall the class was interesting but was a traditional stand and deliver lecture.
Credit Transfer Issues:	To my understanding, no credit will transfer.