Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening, cultural awakening, educational. Past Review

By (Cottey College) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/17/2019 with

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about French culture, and the importance of a country’s history. I had the chance to practice my French and to meet different kinds of people and nationalities. It was definitely worth while!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

It was very helpful in ensuring I was well prepared for my time in France. A lot of activities were included in the program price. Though the overall city was pretty expensive.

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 very expensive and so I had to be very frugal with my spending.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 20-50 euros depending on what I did.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat at restaurants too much but buy from actual grocery stores which are cheaper in the long run.

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

I attended the American Business School Pari and so all my lectures were in English. Though I did take a French class where I got to practice my French.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Elementary
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? Meet more locals and practice with your friends. Watch some movies in that language or listen to some music in that language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication
  • Include lunch meals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there are cities in Europe that are much cheaper and provide similar or even better experiences for someone living on a student budget.

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.