Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best thing I have ever decided to do for myself. Past Review

By (Nursing and French, University of North Dakota) - abroad from 01/26/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Caen University: Caen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved studying abroad. Even though everything was not how I imagined it would be, it made my experience even more worthwhile. I love the places I saw, people I met, and things I tried. I will never forget this experience. I came back home a changed person and I would not have it any other way. If I could do it all over again I would.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration in France is very unorganized and very slow in terms of helping you out or getting things done.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were great. Very spacious and clean.

* Food:

French food, especially the pastries were absolutely delicious. The best I've ever had!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

French people are very closed off and not open to meeting new people especially foreigners so most of my friends were Americans or students from other countries. The program also kept us separated from French students in terms of classes because we were with ONLY study abroad students and not French students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

French health care is very different from the US. The pharmacies are all closed on Sundays and they close early every other weekday which was very inconvenient.

* 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)

Everything in France was very expensive compared to the US which is something I was not expecting.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100 dollars per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating at the school cafeterias is cheaper than buying your own food and cooking even though the cafeteria food was awful 90% of the time.

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? Junior level French in college
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? Speak the language between you and your friends who are studying abroad with you even if you know English, speak the language you are trying to learn.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I loved the location. Normandy, France.
* What could be improved?
  • Help students to get from Paris to the school. VERY CONFUSING AND DIFFICULT if it's your first time in that country.
  • The amount we paid for food was not nearly the amount we received for food from our host program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Most French people are mean, rude, and do not like foreigners. The transportation throughout the country was very hard to get used to.