Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This was the most incredible, life-changing experience of my existence. Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Pacific University) - abroad from 01/26/2014 to 04/26/2014 with

AIFS: Grenoble - University of Grenoble - French Language and Culture and Intensive French Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds and learn to be patient with myself

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Marie and Anna were absolutely incredible. I felt like I was given enough freedom by them but they were also there if I had any issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I hope everybody else has the same housing experience as I did because my host parents were top-notch, wonderful people

* Food:

I gained ten pounds abroad because I couldn't stop eating the delicious food everywhere

* 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 no health issues, but a girl in my group had appendicitus while studying abroad and I was able to see the great level of care provided for her while she had to visit doctors.

* Safety:

never once felt unsafe in Grenoble

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)

I'm used to living on a shoestring budget as a student, and I was able to maintain a level of frugality while in expensive France. This was thanks to API including all of my wonderful excursions and my host parents feeding me breakfast and dinner every night

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 75 Euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Divide the amount of money you are taking by the remaining days you have left and try every day to spend under your daily limit. If you spend more even once or twice, it will severely affect the last few days of your trip.

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

I was in the intensive language course, so using the language was paramount

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? Junior level French, FREN385
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? Listen to as much French TV and radio as possible to familiarize yourself with how the language sounds and not necessarily the content

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?
  • My fun teachers at the CUEF, like Kristoff Eymard
  • The Food I was able to try
  • The immersion experience
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything to improve at this time, seriously.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the 89 days were going to feel like only a week after I got back. I should have soaked it up even more than I did while I was there because real life just doesn't compare.

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!