Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience is an experience Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/19/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I was forced out of my shell and became stronger and more confident because of it. Looking back there were some great moments, and some bad, but it was definitely worth every minute.

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

Not much help before or during the trip. The study abroad office works really hard at getting students to go abroad, but once they commit there isn't anymore interest.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not very good, but you get what you pay for. I lived in the cheapest dorm so Turkish toilets were expected.

* Food:

French food is fantastic, of course

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I know a lot of it is my fault, but I didn't speak much French there because all of my friends were anglophones. French people are private so it was difficult to get them to open up, but I did make a few friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the ER and the bill was only 23 euros. They told me i could go through the insurance to pay for it, but it was just easier to pay myself.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? 50 to 75 euros (living like a poor college kid) when I first got there it was probably 100 to 150, then I realized I couldn't do that
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget a lot of money for food and travel. Try to save money for traveling at the end of the trip. I didn't get to travel much because I ran out of money

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 levels
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 who aren't American. It's harder than it sounds because Americans tend to group together

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Taking classes in French
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Help with choosing classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have stayed with a host family. I thought that I would like the dorm better but I found it lonely

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Anthropologie des religions
Course Department: Sociologie
Instructor: Dufoulon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I didn't learn anything from the class. The prof just lectured us on life lessons and barely spoke about religions. The only good thing was that the final was a very open-ended essay question and easy to answer.
Credit Transfer Issues: