Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Food, Friends and French: best semester ever! Past Review

By (French, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/22/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

CIEE: Rennes - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course it was! I learned so much about myself as a person, how to be independent, how to keep up a self-care lifestyle. My study abroad experience gave me so much more than a better grasp on French, it gave me a new, better relationship with myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

Rennes was big enough that there was always something to do but small enough that I was forced to practice French and get to know my surroundings.

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)

My program gave me a stipend for week day lunches

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan any trips or excursions in advance. Buying tickets the week of your trip will be more expensive. The farther in advance, the cheaper it will be.

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? French 105
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not let yourself speak English too often. Truly commit to your learning and integration.

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

  • 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?
  • emersion
  • my host family
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • not sure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That being abroad is not always fun and exciting. It means being away from everything you know for four months. I think the emotional toll that takes on a person is difficult to grasp before studying abroad.

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!