Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything is new and different, but it is ok to be out of your comfort zone. Past Review

By (University of Portland) - abroad from 06/15/2017 to 07/29/2017 with

IES Abroad: Arles Summer – Study in Provence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I enjoyed being able to just BE in France. There is something magical about being surrounded by so much history and being able to be immersed in French. I improved my French language skills; I have finally mastered the French "r"

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES assistants were very friendly and willing to answer any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with a host family. They were amazing and so much fun to spend time with.

* Food:

It was France, of course the food was amazing. The program was great with accommodating for certain dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten free, etc).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we had more opportunities to spend more time with other French students around our age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use any kind of healthcare, but if i needed help finding any kind of medication for a cold or something of that nature, the IES staff and my host family were willing to help.

* Safety:

I felt overall safe in Arles. The program was also helpful in providing safety tips/information after the Paris attacks that occurred over the summer.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had an amazing time. This was a lifelong dream come true.

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)

The program provided some meals, and you are able to eat some dinners with your family, which was very helpful. I economized my spending by buying food at the farmer's market and local grocery store. I would say take more opportunities to eat at a cafe/restaurant more often; it helps immerse you in the local culture better. Also the dollar to euro exchange rate makes it difficult.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be able to find a balance between splurging some money for going out to eat and saving some money to be able to buy souvenirs. The local farmer's market has a lot of cheap produce.

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

The program staff constantly reminded us to practice speaking French to each other because it is for our benefit. There were different students in my program that made that difficult, but the IES staff were very patient with us.

Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with your host family. Speak to the other students in French. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is ok to take a break. Before studying abroad, immerse yourself in the language as much as you can, find literature, music, and films in French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host family
  • local culture/people
* What could be improved?
  • information about program on IES website
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Its ok to be outside of your comfort zone. Take more opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'