Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

EDHEC: worth it for the school culture Past Review

By (Business Administration, Fordham University) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/19/2013 with

Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord - EDHEC Business School: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I did cement my French skills, because I forced myself to use it. I also made some great international friends.

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.

The classes were extremely variable; many of them were very vague in their teaching. The examinations, on the contrary were much more in depth than the level of the classes themselves.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

As with any bureaucracy, you had to contact them several times to get a question answered.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was good but I would not recommend living on your own.

* Food:

Waffles.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thanks to an organization called Open Up, international students always have activities to do

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a few health issues and it was very easy to work with the doctors and the pharmacies

* Safety:

Very safe in central neighborhoods but safety drops off quickly outside of the city center

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)

I did not spend $100 a week but only because I ate like a homeless person. If you eat normally you will spend a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Beans

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

I took one class in French but it was optional

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 semesters of upper level French
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? Find a friend who doesn't speak your language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Clubs- Open Up
* What could be improved?
  • Engagement with administration
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to live alone!

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!