study abroad Past Review

By (Public Policy Analysis., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/04/2012 to 05/16/2012 with

Sciences Po Lille: Lille - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was required to jump through numerous hoops and pay multiple fees to purchase French healthcare and healthcare from my university. I did not need either form, as I was already covered under my parents plan. There was no opportunity for a waiver.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It varied
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook for yourself, live with a roomate. travel with promotional fares or low-budget airlines like ryanair.

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? 200 level
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? live with native speakers as roomates

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • the international students
  • the location
  • the course content
* What could be improved?
  • housing assistance
  • health insurance requirements
  • integration into local environment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the different neighborhoods in the city-I could have chosen a different apartment