Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Interesting. Past Review

By (HISTORY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/30/2012 to 08/16/2012 with

AIFS: Paris - Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can survive a lot of situations, and how to deal with people with different personalities. I also learned a lot about Art and Culture, language, and themes that are common to all people

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: The Sorbonne
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

All of the staff was very courteous and sweet, and for the most part ready to help. The following critiques are only offered to make the program better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Housing at the Adagio was not very good at all. I'd have liked to have stayed at a cheaper place if it had been in a better, more central location.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did an alright job of integrating us into the culture. I wish we could have been able to meet more local french people though, rather than simply socializing with the people in our program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A friend of mine got Salmonella poisoning while abroad. The program took her to a doctor who misdiagnosed her condition. After her mother came to Paris, she was able to see a different doctor.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 had to be frugile, but you adapt quickly.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I am not sure.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you have an International Phone plan, and that your phone will work oversees.

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? Beginner
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 I believe.
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? Watch TV in that language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked the friends I made.
  • I like the food in France.
* What could be improved?
  • The Housing.
  • Coordination with the Program and school there.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the Sorbonne was under construction, that my classes were not going to transfer, and that bed bugs and fleas are common to come in contact with.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French Phonetiques
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The course was challenging, and intensive...almost too intensive.
Credit Transfer Issues: