Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am capable of more than I believe. Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 01/02/2018 to 04/28/2018 with

AIFS: Grenoble - Grenoble School of Management

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to appreciate other cultures and to branch out of my comfort zone, I have grown so much from this, I have learned to truly enjoy life.

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.

The classes were related to my major and educational.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Admin were difficult to get a hold of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was a bit of a control freak, however the living situation was okay other than that.

* Food:

It's France, of course the food was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was constantly using my language skills and was consistently immersed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any health care.

* Safety:

Being anywhere in the world as a woman is dangerous. There were many times I felt unsafe because of men harassing me.

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

AIFS is an amazing program that has wonderful directors, they took care of everything for me and I am very grateful for them.

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 spent a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend money on trips, not food.

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

All my classes were in english but I tried to use French as often as possible.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate French
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? Just keep speaking to people to practice the language they will want to help you learn it better.

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

  • 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?
  • The People
  • The Food
  • The Environment
* What could be improved?
  • More emphasis on using the local language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring warm clothes as well.

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 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.