Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not what I expected, but awesome! 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 a lot about other religious beliefs. I learned how to do things on my own. I learned how to appreciate art. etc. etc. :)

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was so kind and helpful.

* 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:

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? 50 euro or less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pick up food from the grocery stores instead of eating out every night. They have a great selection!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FRENCH 362
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? Try to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people in French, or whatever language, from the beginning.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family
  • the food
  • lessons from my teachers
* What could be improved?
  • interactions with students outside the program
  • more opportunity to practice French
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it was not a French Language program. That was my fault for not checking into it more.

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!