Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

After Living a Year in France I Can't Wait to Go Back Past Review

By (French, Regis University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad definitely helped improve my language abilities to a level that I now feel comfortable interacting with francophones in daily life. It also helped confirm my passion for European History which I am continuing to pursue two years after my time abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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
Language acquisition improvement?

I could practice language in class, with my host family, and with people on the streets. Many people speak English in France, but it is much easier and strongly encouraged to communicate in French.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Both beginners and advanced students of French would do well in this program. Just make sure to take full advantage of all of the linguistic and cultural opportunities available to you. Stay with a host family, watch movies, go to museums, treat yourself to nice evenings out about once a month, explore your local neighborhood, read the newspaper, and travel in the country. The more you embrace the situation that you're in, the better time you will have.