The Semester That Changed My Life Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/04/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Paris - Paris Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself than anything French related, and then add how much French I learned while I was there and it was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Paris - Paris Study Abroad Photo

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.

it wasn't very hard, but resources for projects were limited.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My phone got stolen right out of my hands. Be SO careful. Be overly cautious. I'm not kidding.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably about 100 on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy groceries and make your own food as much as possible.

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? 202
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? Just talk as much as possible, preferably with natives.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Cheese
  • Metro Pass
  • Free Time
* What could be improved?
  • Busy Work
  • Food Money Situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Speaking is so important when trying to learn a language. It's not enough to just read and write. Also, don't be afraid. Of anything.