Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

France: I know it, I lived it, I love it! Past Review

By (French Studies, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/04/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Paris - Paris Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to get around a huge city in a foreign language. Increased my self-confidence. Learned to notice more things. Learned how big the world is and how much I have to learn. Was inspired by art and sculpture. Learned about the wide variety of people in the world, and what might contribute to our similarities and differences. Learned a lot about Paris but also got a feel for province, the other regions. It was most definitely worthwhile!!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent professors, hands on learning (obviously--sight-seeing), but the problems of organization and focus that one would expect when traveling while learning.

* 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:

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries instead of eating out.

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? 363
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?
  • Traveling with the group
  • Living with a host family
  • Going to church in France
* What could be improved?
  • Feedback on coursework, like a regular update on our grades
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack for rain; Paris is wet!!!!

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!