Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It wasn't easy -- but it was worth it Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 05/17/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Paris - Sarah Lawrence College in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I finally gained a level of French where I look forward to reading and speaking it, I have lifelong friends, I was able to explore Europe on my own = totally worth it.

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

Natalie, Monique and Rebecca are incredible -- they're always so supportive and helpful. They continue to answer my questions about packing up and leaving the Paris even though the program is long over.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Cité Universitaire -- it could've been better (horrible showers and sharing a gross bathroom) but the location was great and I knew what I was signing up for.

* Food:

Paris is unbelievably expensive, but it's Paris. I loved all of the meals organized by the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When we had program organized meals with our "peers" the other students were always considerably younger, but I felt a lot more integrated when I started studying at MJM Graphic Design with french students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had several colds throughout the semester and loved going to the pharmacies. I used the HTH WorldWide health care twice: once to get my stitches removed, and the second time was for birth control. I did my research online and had no trouble at all getting coverage and finding physicians.

* Safety:

Paris is a beautiful but sketchy city. I didn't feel safe when I was alone late at night, but if we were in a group it was fine -- despite all of the catcalls that made us very uncomfortable.

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)

Paris is ridiculously expensive. I ended up getting two babysitting jobs just to cover basic food expenses and minimal activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't leave your room ever. Then you'll never spend anything.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate French II
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? Make friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the organized activities
  • the professors
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • some profs need to be re-evaluated
  • require the application's placement test of non-SLC students
  • the buildings could be warmer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be worth it

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.