Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Génial! Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 08/28/2020 to 12/21/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For one thing, I achieved a much higher level of proficiency in French. Beyond that, I gained new friends, a broader cultural perpective, more independence, and of course, wonderful memories. This semester was absolutely worthwhile.

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 had no trouble finding classes (both APA-provided and at Parisian institutions) that would fit my two majors' requirements (political science and french). Each of my classes were taught in French and my proficiency improved by leaps and bounds over the course of four months. I felt that my coursework was sufficiently challenging without being overwhelming, and APA offered quality tutoring and support 24/7.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is wonderfully friendly and supportive, so even when I came upon difficult situations or experienced stress, I never doubted that everything would work out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family that APA paired me with was kind and welcoming! I could not have asked for a better living situation to adjust to life in Paris.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a small knee in jury in Paris, and APA was very helpful. The advisors set up an appointment for me with a rheumatologist, and I was able to get a knee brace to get me through the rest of my time abroad. While I am still trying to get reimbursed by my insurance, the process of getting affordable treatment was simple with the medical coverage I had.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop if you can! Remember, Carrefour tends to be cheaper than Monoprix.

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? FREN 2006 (Intermediate-Advanced)
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! You're learning and I promise people will understand that if you mess something up.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff support
  • Academics
  • Cultural program
* What could be improved?
  • Access to course descriptions over the summer to allow schedule preparation ahead of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I realized that I was more prepared than I thought. I spent a lot of time stressing about how people would perceive me and my French skills when really, after some practice, I adapted quickly.

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!