Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Supported Immersion Past Review

By (Rice University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My French language skills improved dramatically. I became much more self-sufficient and independent.

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.

I really enjoyed the courses I took at the program center. The courses at the university were less organized, but that's just the nature of the French education system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The support system offered by my program was probably one of its most outstanding aspects.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a very kind and accommodating host family with my own room in one of the nicest parts of the city.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to experience a lot of the museums/food the city had to offer, and I made close friends with the other Americans in my program, but meeting local French students of my own age proved to be difficult.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues abroad.

* Safety:

The end of the program corresponded with the height of the yellow vest protests; my program admin did an excellent job of communicating with the students and host families to make sure we were aware of the threat and which areas of the city to avoid.

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

Living with a host family made for a very unique experience, but was ultimately worth it for the language immersion. The support system offered by the program admin was really important to me, and I liked the smaller program size. I made close friends and lifelong memories.

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)

I had to buy lunch for myself every day, and one dinner a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90-110 euro, or $100-120

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? Intermediate
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? French 302: Writing workshop
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? Don't speak English, even with the other American students outside of class time. It's super tempting, but you're only hurting yourself. Take advantage of meal times with your host family!

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • language immersion
  • cultural programming
  • academic and social support
* What could be improved?
  • size
  • variety of program center courses offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Living with a host family really affects the social dynamic. The other program students & I had nowhere to hang out in private. Also, everyone's abroad experience is drastically different and personal, so don't hold yourself up to others' expectations.

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.