Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cultural Revelation in the World's Dreamiest City Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 05/25/2016 to 07/09/2016 with

IES Abroad: Paris Summer - Intermediate Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important thing I learned is that not everywhere does things like the US, and that's okay! Different cultures have different ways of living that work for them, and I'm so glad I got to experience a different way of daily life.

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.

* 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? No

I would choose a semester or year program to give myself more time to get accustomed to life in France, make French friends, etc.

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? I probably spent about $150 a week for food and other expenses.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? F300
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? Take advantage of living with a host family and speak their language with them as much as possible! When you go out, order dinner in French, ask for directions in French - interact with natives in French as much as you can for a beneficial immersive experience.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Exploration
  • Speaking French
* What could be improved?
  • Connection to natives
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's difficult to meet French friends in just six weeks, so you really need to try to meet natives if you want to take away some global connections from this trip!

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.