Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Bryn Mawr College) - abroad from 08/31/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There were only ten students in the program which made the experience very personal. It was just what I needed to improve my French. The two classes that they offered were very interesting and included weekend study tours to other countries. They were taught by dedicated professors who enjoyed working with international students. I am very happy that I chose to attend APA's program because they made Paris feel like home.

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.

Wonderful study abroad experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very organized and accommodating

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my host family!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Weekly shows and excursions were wonderful

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe

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

Yes, I really enjoyed my study abroad experience with APA. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine who ran the program were very approachable and helpful. Their goal was to make sure students succeeded academically and had a great time in Paris.

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 did spend more money than for a normal semester.

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

Supposed to speak French all the time

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? 100 Level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make an effort to speak it all the time

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Each week, we went to some sort of show which was wonderful. There were also visits to nearby towns and attractions. I really appreciated these outings because I most likely wouldn't have done these things on my own.
* What could be improved?
  • Overall, the program was great. The oral French class could be improved.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry about the host family placement because they did a wonderful job.

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!