Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent IFALPES experience :) Past Review

By (International Studies, Truman State University) - abroad from 02/03/2014 to 05/30/2014 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Annecy - Institut Français des Alpes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A better understanding of the French language and culture, as well as the importance of having a host family rather than living on my own for the experience.

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

* 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)

My living situation was in a studio apartment where I provided all of my own food and personal expenses, but for 16 weeks I was more than capable of providing this on less than $6000

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approximately an average of $350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? utilize carpool services, and if your school offers an excursion that you could make cheaper by going on with a group not through the school, do that instead.

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? Beginner
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 302
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? Immersion! Talk with your host family, the people in your town and surrounding areas, insist on using the language of the country, don't just switch back to English if the person you're speaking to speaks your language as well. The point of an immersion program is to understand the culture of the country you're visiting, and the most fundamental part of culture is language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Instructors
  • School
  • Cost
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How exactly culture shock manifests for different people.

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!