Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging but Rewarding Past Review

By (Amherst College) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 05/13/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of French and history from my classes, but I also learned a lot of important life skills from being forced to adjust to a new culture, environment, and language.

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.

This was a very challenging, but rewarding educational experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very helpful, and always available to answer questions/provide guidance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great host family experience.

* 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:

Paris overall felt very safe to me. If you are a female you will have to deal with hackling on the street though.

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

The Middlebury in Paris program is very difficult, and it will not be an easy semester, but I learned so much and I am so happy I did that program.

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 a more expensive city and that can be challenging.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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

We took a language pledge so we were always speaking French.

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? Intermediate level
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? Really force yourself to try to follow the language pledge, because it will help you get the most out of your experience.

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

  • 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?
  • Classes at a local University
  • Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • A little more preparation for our classes at the French Universities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had ben able to talk to someone about the experience of living with a language pledge, because that was difficult for me to adjust to at first.

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!