Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun in France Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/19/2016 to 05/30/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): The French Mystique - The Architecture, Gardens, and Culinary Delights of France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is so much history in France. They have such an old and established culture. It was really eye opening to what a young country the US is. It was totally worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

The hotel was under renovations, and our room had not been fixed yet. The shower and sink leaked, there was mold on the floor and walls. The toilet was situated in a corner against 3 walls, so you had to sit sideways. The carpet was very old and filthy. The bedding was clean and the bed was comfortable. That is why the two stars.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

not applicable

* Safety:

There were a few protests with people being unruly. Bottles being thrown, and there were military men with guns everywhere. I felt fairly safe, but was anxious.

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

We visited so many sights in such a short amount of time. It was wonderful, and I was so tired everynight I slept really well.

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)

3/4 of the money I brought was spent on food. It was worth it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Share meals with friends and split the cost, eat the special of the day, pick one meal a day to splurge on and eat light the other meal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The historical sights we visited.
  • The food.
  • The French countryside.
* What could be improved?
  • Our teachers/leaders could communicate better with each other.
  • The teachers/ group leaders could have worked together better.
  • The older students should be allowed to be more independant.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lighter than I thought was light enough. Exchange cash for Euros in America. Take the most comfortable shoes I own even if they don't match my clothes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.