Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growth through language, exploration and independence February 06, 2023

By (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language, independence, knowledge of another culture/city, food recipes, travel memories, learning new things about myself and what I can do and cope with, and new friends. It was absolutely worth it

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

I absolutely love Paris. It is an amazing city and the program gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in it

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)

It was a little hard. Paris is definitely an expensive city and costs build up quickly

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 to 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in college restaurants that are cheaper and have student discounts. Cook your own food as much as possible instead of going out.

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? 300 level French course
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? Talk to people, be friendly, and ask questions. Start from the beginning with the idea that you will not speak English, it is much easier that way, than to suddenly change half-way through. As soon as you leave your house each day, decide that you cannot speak English until you return

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Total french language immersion
  • Paris
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • More course options in center madeleine
  • More academic support when choosing clases
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I have the ability to do it and grow, and should not doubt myself

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:

Intermediate Advanced French
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: It was challenging and helped me improve my grammar and fluidity when speaking. The teacher always came prepared with new and stimulating exercises and overall, it was a great curriculum and experience. I participated as much as I could and felt that my French improved a lot.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Int'l Monetary Economics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was my most challenging course. The lecture was 3 hours long and very dense. The material was difficult and by far my most time-consuming class. I learned a lot and felt very challenged to have to learn this heavy, math-filled material in french
Credit Transfer Issues: They are still processing
Course Name/Rating:

Money, Banking & Finance
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was a great course to learn the basic finance vocabulary that I knew in french. Definitely felt like I learned a new skill by being able to understand finance in french.
Credit Transfer Issues: Still processing