Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very Frustrating, but enriching Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/07/2013 with

Paul Valery University, Montpellier III: Montpellier - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about independence, confidence, and how to travel. My study abroad experience was definitely a life changing experience, personally. Academically, I'm not so sure. I struggled with the language.

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

I found them not helpful and rude when we went in to ask questions about housing, the bank, or registering for classes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think if I study abroad again, I would stay with a family and not in a dorm, but the dorm administration was very polite and helpful even if there were miscommunications.

* 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? No

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? 40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Understand that you are having to pay for housing and food monthly or weekly.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 301
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? Even if it is difficult to get a sentence out, spit it out! The more you try the better it will get!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Easy access to traveling
  • the people I met
* What could be improved?
  • The school (as in the classes).
  • The International office administration in France.
  • Helping those who are struggling with the language.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it take longer than 6 months to learn a language. How to set up a French Bank account (knowing the steps before I arrived). That I was to be in classes with all Americans. That I would not be surrounded by other international students in the dorm situation.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'