Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience you'll NEVER forget Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

IDRAC: International School of Business: Lyon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not exactly worthwhile but pretty amazing!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not as intense as the courses at PC! I was under the impression that I would struggle with some of the subjects but they all were pretty simple.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Comparing IDRAC to PC, as a host school their communication sucked! They didn't organize any activities for the international students to get to know each other. Lastly, the international students had no real contact with "club international" (an organization that was suppose to get the international students acquainted with Lyon)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although I had problems with my roommate I was very pleased with the housing! the appartment building was always kept clean, the tentant was always helpful, it was in a safe neighborhood, and located right near the metro.

* Food:

the food for me wasn't the best because I am a very picky eater

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because Lyonb is so diverse I FELT VERY INTERGRATED!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to deal with any health care

* Safety:

Comparing the police here in Lyon to the police in the US I didn't feel very safe because of the Lyonnaise police appearance. They just didn't seem as strong and "here to protect and serve" like the US police officiers! Also, I asked a police officier for advice about protection while I was here, in case of an emergency and he told me ALL weapons are illegal and I should just call them if I was in trouble...which was a crazy idea to me!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 was able to budget myself very well and shared dinner with friends often.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Overall I spent about 30€ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SET A BUDGET!!!!!!!!!! With a budget you know how much money you are allowed to spend every week and it is easier at the end of the semester to SHOP and buy souvenirs. With a budget you become proud of yourself when you realize at the end of the week you have EXTRA spending money!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? three years
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? Meet LOTS of native students and force them to speak the language with you! You have to meet AND hang out with them often to become fluent.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Friends met
  • Networking through professors
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Keeping the international students involved and feeling at home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before coming here I wish I knew more vocabulary to help my communication and HOW TO COOK!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.