Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful exploratory experience of food, language, and places. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/21/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Poitiers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as well as French/European culture. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would do it again.

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

While David Paoli was a wonderful program administrator, it would have been helpful to have someone there full time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found it difficult to meet and make friends with the native french students at the university.

* 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 loved the city of Poitiers, being directly enrolled in the University, and experiencing living on my own.

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)

I spent roughly 125-150 euros per week when I wasn't traveling

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125-150 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shopping at Géant Casino is less expensive than monoprix

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

Language Pledge

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 209
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? Stick to the language pledge!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The city of Poitiers
  • The food
  • The Language Pledge
* What could be improved?
  • Middlebury's aid in areas relating to academics/ the University
  • Middlebury could have planned more events for the students in Poitiers. It seemed that there was often many more events planned for the students in Bordeaux and Paris.
  • Having all the students live in one Residence (Roche d'Argent)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is slightly difficult to travel outside of France from Poitiers.

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:

Algèbre Linéaire

Course Department: Mathematics
Instructor: Marc van Leeuwen
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: still in the process
Course Name/Rating:

Géometrie
Course Department: Mathematics
Instructor: Alessandra Sarti
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: still in the process
Course Name/Rating:

Combinatoire
Course Department: Mathematics
Instructor: Marc van Leeuwen
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: still in the process
Course Name/Rating:

B1 Oral
Course Department: Letters and Languages
Instructor: Nathalie Priou
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Commerce International et Intégration Européen
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Christian Aubin and Marc Pourroy
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: still in the process
Course Name/Rating:

Français B2
Course Department: Letters and Languages
Instructor: Christine Chanudet
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: