I loved it so much I am applying for MBA programmes back in France! Past Review

By (Political Science, Economics, San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/12/2011 to 06/02/2012 with

Sciences Po Lille: Lille - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely worthwhile. I now value an international life.

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.

The level of education demanded in le conference de grande ecole programes is impressive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

their were housing options by my landlord was a slum lord.

* Food:

Viva la cuisine de france

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am ethiopian/eritrean and there were plenty of african immigrants.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

America really sucks compared to the euro project in this field.

* Safety:

I got pick pocketed once and into a couple of fights but that is because I go to bars and lack an easy going personality.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $600.-$700.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? France is expensive

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? None
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? 1 quarter of beginner french at DeAnza
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? Rossetta Stone

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

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The chance to meet women from everywhere
  • the opportunity to study under internationally renown professors
  • The Life in Europe!!!
* What could be improved?
  • The financial situation of converting to foreign life.
  • Some government aide would be nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to bide my time. it flies fast

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

World Cities

Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Brunet Jallet
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It chaallenged me to consider the financial aspect of dictating policy
Credit Transfer Issues: still in process