Do Sweet Briar JYF!! Past Review

By (Connecticut College) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/20/2019 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More confidence and improved French skills! Very worthwhile

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 Assistant Director Laura was the best and went above and beyond to help us solve various problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It’s France! The food is delicious and so much fresher than in the US!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Paris is very safe overall. It’s like any big city in that it has its issues, but they tend to be confined to certain areas. For example, I avoided going in an area where there was an announced protest on a given day. I didn’t have any real issues.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? perhaps $130 or so....varies week to week, especially because of travel plans
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book trips in advance to save money!

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? Advanced
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? 400-level

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Program’s planned activities
  • Reid Hall classes
  • Neighborhood surrounding Reid Hall
* What could be improved?
  • Add one more optional weekend trip
  • Add visit to Normandy cemeteries during Brittany/Normandy trip
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it was the right decision!! And that I’ll make so many memories!

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!