Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Political Science And French, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): Paris- Cours De Civilisation Francaise De La Sorbonne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This most definitely was worthwhile. I learned how adaptable I am and I gained confidence that I can succeed in any situation. I also learned what it was like to live in a different culture and see a different perspective on the world.

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.

La Sorbonne was a rigorous semester; however, I felt I had all of the tools necessary to succeed, and I learned, and improved, a great deal from this institution

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API was an incredible program to participate in. Not only were the residence directors friendly and exceedingly helpful, the overall structure of the program allowed the students to take full advantage of their time abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have had a better experience with a host family. My room in our apartment overlooked the city and the Eiffel Tower. The large family provided unparalleled cultural and language exposure. I strongly recommend the host family experience!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was definitely an advantage of living with a host family as I was introduced to their local friends and spent vacations with them around France.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Paris. However, it is a big city and students should always be aware of their surroundings. I had friends were were pick pocketed and even had their IPhones stolen. Be careful and blend in like a local and incidents like these are less likely to happen.

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)

Although API was a more expensive program upfront, it allowed me to spend less money once I was abroad. Every month we were given gift cards to the local supermarket for groceries which help me on a student budget. Most things for the semester were paid in advance, which allowed me to have minimal costs once I was there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Paris many restaurants offer a "fixed price" meal. This is a 3 course meal usually for less than 15 euros. This is much cheaper than ordering off the menu and more food is included. Also, record all of your expenses and budget each month. I had many friends who did not do this and as the semester progressed they quickly ran out of money

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 excursion were in French and after about the first week, once everyone was settled, the program advisors would only speak to you in French.

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? 300
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? Reading helps a lot, especially reading the news. Speak every opportunity you get.

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 number of excursions around France
  • Public transportation cards supplied on arrival.
  • Cultural lessons (cooking classes, cheese tastings, etc).
* What could be improved?
  • Explanation of long stay visa requirements (OIF, doctor's appointment)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Things take longer in France than they do in the US. Don't get frustrated when things take longer than expected. Enjoy the process and take things slower.

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!