Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I absolutely loved my time in Paris. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and how to be more confident of my French language skills.

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?

* Safety:

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

Middlebury allowed me to fully invest myself in the local culture and language and supported me whenever I was lost or needed guidance.

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? 30-40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at cheaper places

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? Fren230
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch movie in language without subtitles

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?
  • My host mom <3
  • Some of my courses
  • The beautiful city of Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Some courses
  • More help to interact with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TIME FLIES!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ethnographic Research
Course Department: SOAN
Instructor: Nataly Camacho
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course was interesting but the instructor was not very clear on the grading method.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Documentary
Course Department: Film
Instructor: Vitor Zan
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I really enjoyed this course. The professor was very well prepared and always available if I had any questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Sociology of Culture
Course Department: SOAN
Instructor: Laurent Fleury
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I did not enjoy this course at all. The professor was very disorganized and unclear on the assessments and grading system.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

History of Sub-Saharan Africa
Course Department: HIST
Instructor: Odile Goerg
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I found this course very interesting. The professor allowed the students to engage in various ways such as presentations, class discussions and a field trip to an African art museum. Professor was also very inclusive and welcoming of international students.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Intermediate French
Course Department: FREN
Instructor: Patrick Guedon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I enjoyed this course where I was able to sharpen my French grammar and phonetics.
Credit Transfer Issues: no