Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

4 months in Paris Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really learned alot more about France and Europe as a whole, especially by interacting with my host family and the locals.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Course registration provided a lot of problems, and communication with the administration was rather difficult.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Eating out tended to be pricier, so grocery shopping and cooking was definitely a better idea.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any health problems, however, some professors did require a doctor's note in order to have an excused absence.

* Safety:

As long as normal caution was exercised and you have a general sense of awareness of your surroundings, there was no issues.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was a very enjoyable experience, despite some issues with the administration.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check out the grocery stores around your area to find the one with the lowest prices.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Interesting courses
  • Interacting with other exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • Responsive administration
  • Organization of professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Getting your visa could potentially be a lengthy process, so try and get started earlier.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!