Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Silly and Studious Semester July 28, 2022

By (Global Security Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2022 to 05/28/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My French developed far beyond what I imagined it could. I made life long relationships with my host family and with other students. It was 100% worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Could not have been better

* Food:

Food was expensive, but inflation etc

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Parisians do not always like Americans

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I dealt with health issues abroad and found that even the American Hospital of Paris was shockingly different. I am not sure if it was a cultural difference, but healthcare and treatment of patients was completely different. I cried leaving the hospital for the first time because of how I was treated, but felt like I was getting too emotional for no reason. Middlebury was great with Covid, however.

* 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? About 150$, plus more on occasion for travel costs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? French 224
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? The entire purpose of the abroad program at Middlebury is total immersion. The extracurriculars, courses, and other participants made this daunting feat feasible and enjoyable.

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
  • 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?
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Language pledge
  • Urban life
* What could be improved?
  • Healthcare access
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I spent more money than I initially planned. Budget more.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Migration, Ethnicity, Racism
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Aude Rabaud
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The Professor was interested in motivating her students to face difficult questions and discussions. I feel like I learned a lot from collaboration and group work. Assessments included a midterm exam, a final exam, and a research paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Oriental Asia
Course Department: History
Instructor: Raphael Louvet
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was a challenging course because of the 3 hour lecture and dry course material. Minimal class engagement was the norm. Assessments included a group presentation and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

General Sociology
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Patrick Cingolani
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was a difficult but manageable course that encouraged participation and critical thinking. The discussion section generally started with a presentation that evolved into a class discussion. Assessments included a presentation and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced French I
Course Department: French
Instructor: Patrick Guédon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was an ideal language development class that prioritized participation and various methods of learning. I appreciated the small class setting and emphasis on lack of judgement. Assessments included presentations, a midterm, a final, and smaller quizzes throughout the semester.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Gender Studies in France

Course Department: Gender and Sexuality Studies
Instructor: Anais Frantz de Spot
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course examined the recent and present state of gender affairs in France, and took an interdisciplinary approach. Assessments included a presentation, a final exam, and a research paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: