Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Ran Away to the French Riviera Past Review

By (Swarthmore College) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

IES Abroad: Nice Direct Enrollment - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad helped my to better my understanding of the French language and my understanding of myself. I learned to be independent and comfortable being alone, away from my support systems. It truly allowed me to grow into myself.

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

* 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)

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? Intermediate
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? A French literature course taught entirely in 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? Don't be afraid to speak the language. I forced myself to keep speaking French even when shopkeepers or others started to speak to me in English, additionally I set myself the goal of having a conversation in French with someone other than my host mother every day

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
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?
  • The staff were incredibly supportive and helpful
  • I was able to study within my discipline but from a new perspective
  • The location was incredible for sun, ice cream and Italian food
* What could be improved?
  • More facilitated interactions with the city
  • Having the center available more time and on the weekends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that it would be hard to feel like a part of French society and to understand the organizational and educational systems

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!