Difficult but Rewarding Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/05/2013 to 04/26/2013 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my ability to work out problems and live on my own

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.

While the professors were great, only having six weeks of classes was exhausting. The course work is not very difficult but it was not a lot of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always available if needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

You had to cook for yourself in a host family home and got no help or advice on this

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was no programming for social activities other than two small activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300

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? 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? 5th semester French
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • The help from the program
  • more bonding with other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How independent it is on the student

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!