Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Exciting and Independent Learning Experience Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/05/2020 to 02/15/2020 with

CIEE: Paris - Open Campus Block

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new sense of independence while abroad - gaining everyday life skills such as budgeting and navigating. I was also able to immerse myself in to a culture that I had very little prior knowledge on.

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?

* 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

I loved the area that this program was located in and all of the on site staff.

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? About $100 per week for expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep an excel spreadsheet of all of your expenses to keep track of how much you're spending and develop a set budget before leaving to go abroad.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? NA
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? Download language apps and also ask for help from your professors and advisors on site.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • Study Tours
* What could be improved?
  • Safety
  • On site help from staff
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now how this program handles emergency situations and the way that they conduct housing. If I had known about these things, I maybe would have chosen a different program. But overall, my experience was a positive one.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.