Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Champagne Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/15/2015 to 12/15/2015 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad definitely made me realize what is (and is not) important to me in life. I met so many different types of people and got to travel to 11 countries over the semester. Living in a slower-paced place also made me much less stressed about life because I had so much less to worry about.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

France is one of the most expensive countries you could study abroad in. That being said, it is fairly easy to keep on a tight budget if you buy from the grocery and farmers market. Restaurants and bars though are both pretty expensive (a decent meal costs 15ish euros)

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? FR 601C
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? Force yourself to use French in any situation. You will get over the embarrassment and improve your language skills.

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being able to travel
  • Laid back lifestyle
  • Boulangeries
* What could be improved?
  • Organization and registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how to room with a host family or local students rather than find my own place.

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.