Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was at times hard but overall an amazing and transformative experience. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/02/2018 to 05/31/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very much worthwhile. Most importantly, I learned how to travel and connect with people from different backgrounds.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the semester to be quite challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think that overall the administration was alright. Amy was great. However, there was a lack of communication that was sometimes frustrating. For example, there were wide spread strikes when I was in Paris and the administration did not really address it or explain what options we had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in la foyer internationale des etudiantes. It was great.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is generally hard to befriend parisians, so I did not make many close french friends, therefore I felt a little distanced to the true culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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

Paris is an incredible city. It is full of stuff to do, very accessible, and easy to travel from.

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 an expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself when you can. Groceries are much less expensive than meals.

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? 220
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? Live with someone who is French or who is equally committed. I lived in a foyer but my roommate was French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • Food
  • Museums
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Expectations from Midd professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, I just wish I had a clearer understanding of the differences between the French and American school systems.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

histoire de l'empire byzantine
Course Department: history
Instructor: Raúl Estangüi Gómez
Instruction Language: french
Comments: It was very challenging. A lecture style format. The professor was very knowledgeable and very accommodating. He understood the limitations I might have as a foreign student.
Credit Transfer Issues: