Outstanding, rewarding, and very educational. Past Review

By (Graphic Design, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 06/29/2015 to 07/30/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to embrace a new culture and how to navigate a foreign city. I gained so much confidence in myself about my abilities to be independent, even more so than when I went to college away from home.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France Photo ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France Photo ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France Photo

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.

My program was outstanding. I learned so much in both of my classes and both of my professors were great resources outside of class as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought they did a nice job of organizing the program. Sometimes I found the staff to be a little short tempered about scheduling but other than that they were great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay was wonderful! Both my host mother and father were very welcoming and excited to host me.

* Food:

The food was great and there was always plenty at my home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I thought I was a bit separated from French people because my classes were with other students from the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pick pockets were the only main concern but since I was aware of that I never had a problem.

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)

Paris is expensive, and it adds up throughout the week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between $150-$250 sometimes less sometimes more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping instead of sitting down to eat, always order tap not bottled water at restaurants, and keep the shopping to a minimum.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The classes
  • The weekend excursions
  • Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that it's good to branch out and try to hang out with more locals, I wish I had done that more.