Amazing experience with JYF! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 03/19/2014 to 12/19/2015 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my independence. I would without a doubt say that my abroad experience was worthwhile.

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.

JYF was a great program because the balance between sweet briar classes and the support offered made the course load at the sorbonne manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the greatest host family and would absolutely recommend a home stay- my language skills improved so much!

* 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 sprained my ankle and was able to see a doctor very quickly and received the necessary prescriptions and braces that same day.

* 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)

There were few moments where I had to spend money, mostly it was on my own accord and by my choice. We were in charge of our lunches daily however.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around €100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think just keeping track of the money you have and are spending is the best way. That way you can think about it and plan accordingly.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200-level at wellesley
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? Speaking is the only way to get comfortable and improve!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Being in paris
  • the balance of classes
  • the variety of classes
* What could be improved?
  • I felt like it was a fairly small program
  • more/better program excursions
  • a fall break should be more clearly in the calendar
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a better sense of the calendar which I understand is hard because the french universities don't publish theirs until the semester is about to begin.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.