Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a lifetime that helped me mature in the best way possible. Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/10/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

API (Academic Programs International): Paris - Institut Catholique de Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was 100% worthwhile. I learned things I would never know if I wasn't on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration of my host country was extremely organized and helpful, while also helping students be exposed to the culture around them through excursions and and information sessions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fairly clean, the age of the building added to the character of my stay. I felt safe with the security in the building and area. It was rather far from my university, but this did, however help learn to use the metro system.

* Food:

Not enough was provided through the program for a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

extremely integrated, I began feeling fairly comfortable with the language and culture by the time the program was ending.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I told my program about one issue I had during my stay and they stayed up to date with me and followed through to make sure I was feeling better and cared for. They provided me with a doctor and even made the appointment with me.

* 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)

I do not believe the program provided enough finances for grocery shopping. Most of the money I spent on food was my own.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $250

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

My program directors would speak to us in french unless we requested otherwise. I knew some french, but not enough to carry a conversation. However, by the end of my program, I could hold a conversation and understand almost everything

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? beginner/intermediate
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? I would advise to challenge yourself and not be afraid to make mistakes. That is the only way a person can learn a language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • how organized it was
  • the excursions
  • learning a new language
* What could be improved?
  • providing more money for grocery shopping
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to make mistakes with the language, with directions, with everything. In fact, it's crucial to make mistakes, because that's the only way you'll learn.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.