Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An eye-opening experience Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/16/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding about being aware of cultural differences and how to best handle them.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program truly helped me improve my French conversational skills due to the all-French classes and internship. The classes were very interesting and provided a lot of insight into the nuances of the culture, from art to the workplace, leaving you with a brand new perspective of the French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was relatively organized and hosted a number of events. However, the internship placements were very disorganized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm with other American students, however, it was in a housing complex filled with many international students from around the world. There were plenty of common spaces to relax and study in.

* Food:

There are always places to find food of all sorts of cuisines in Paris.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end, I felt relatively well-integrated, and I feel that I had adopted many mannerisms of local Parisiens. I was completely comfortable going off by myself and talking to other locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program automatically enrolled me in a health insurance program, but I never needed to use it during my time in Paris.

* Safety:

It's dangerous to go out alone late at night; travelling in groups is best. Pickpocketing and other random scams are very common on the metro and on the streets.

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

I greatly enjoyed working with the company I was placed in.

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)

Eating and going out are usually very pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook at home for the weekdays, since groceries can be relatively cheap.

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

Classes are all in French as well as some internships.

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
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? Listen to French media such as radios, music, and television.

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
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?
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • internship placement
  • length of program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Things to do in Paris that aren't expensive or overly touristy.

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!