Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Excellent Immersive Experience Past Review

By (French Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/10/2015 with

Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. My comprehension in French is much improved, and more importantly, I am a more confident French speaker. I made many amazing friends through APA and traveled to places I'd only dreamed of seeing. Through study abroad, I learned a lot about myself and about the world outside of my hometown.I would make this decision again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Think carefully about when and where you want to spend your money! I ate modest lunches at boulangeries or packed left-overs for lunch so that I could save up for traveling!

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

With your host family and at the APA office, French is required!

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? FREN 110: Cultural Representations
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 be afraid to make mistakes! People at cafes and boulangeries will appreciate that you are trying, and the more you practice, the more confident you'll be!

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
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?
  • Traveling as a group
  • Supportive and accessible staff
* What could be improved?
  • French oral class
  • Placement in host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was very anxious before I left; I wish I had known how much fun I would have!

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!