Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fewer local interactions than hoped, but overall good time Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/28/2017 with

Syracuse University: Strasbourg - Syracuse University in Strasbourg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned I'm capable of living in a new place and using a different language. It was definitely 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I would've chosen the Syracuse program, but opted for one of the language intensive programs.

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? ~60 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get food at grocery stores to cook yourself, and keep an eye out for local markets that have cheaper prices.

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? Advanced Grammar
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? Speak with your host family, use every opportunity and don't be afraid of making a mistake.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host family
  • Excursions/ culture events
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with locals
  • More French language courses for the center
  • There were some difficulties with the internship coordination, but I didn't experience that myself
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have to be more proactive about interacting with local students.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'