Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision of my life! Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although I was already at an advanced level of French, this experience helped to improve my speaking, listening comprehension, writing and reading dramatically. Also, I gained a deeper understanding of the French people and culture. Furthermore, not only did I get to know the local culture, but through my program I met people from all over the USA and thus I gained a better understanding of my own country.

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.

For the most part, the workload isn't too taxing. However, everything seems to happen towards the end (midterms, essays, and final exams), so it is important to manage your time or you will be overloaded during the second half of the semester.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For me and a lot of my friends, the boulangeries were what drained our accounts. Don't think of it as you only have one semester in France to eat these delicious pastries and viennoiseries. Try to limit yourself to one a week. Also, when buying a phone and phone plan, don't over-estimate how many minutes you're going to need. Using the Orange plan, 30 euros would have covered me for the entire semester.

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? FR 322E Advanced French 2
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? Stay strong even when your study abroad friends are speaking English. Keep speaking in French anyway.

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?
  • People
  • French-Only Language Policy
  • Courses at the local university
* What could be improved?
  • Space out the deadline for the final essays
  • Have either Friday or Monday off so as to make traveling easier.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had realized the different ways I could have saved money.

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!