Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to see parts of the world that I thought I would only ever be able to see in movies. I discovered that I have a true love of traveling and exploring. It was one of the best decision I've ever made.

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.

I was at the ABS college in Paris - classes weren't too hard, they were taught in English, and most of the teachers weren't bad. I really didn't like the art history teacher, though

* 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:

Watch out for pick-pocketers

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? About $100/week on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can save a lot of money by only eating breakfast and dinner, and by taking discount airlines to travel places

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
  • 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?
  • ISA Staff was extremely helpful/nice
  • English speaking school
  • Built-in excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Screening of host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had saved up a little more money so that I could've traveled around more

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.'