Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life changing adventure Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 09/10/2015 to 05/27/2016 with

ISEP Exchange: Saint-Etienne - Exchange Program at Université Jean Monnet de Saint-Etienne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a countless number of amazing lessons and I would do it all over again in a heart beat. Studying abroad teaches you more about the world and about who you are than any class or experience at home can ever give you.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some of the classes were not necessarily rigorous, but the exams at the end were very difficult and specific. There is more expectations to study at home with the French system of education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was extremely welcoming and invested in the needs of their students. I had one sit down with me for several hours to figure out class arrangements as well as offered to lend me any money I needed u til my loans finally came through.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were very economic and seemed a little small at first. It took some getting used to. The winter was also very cold due to the inability to control the temperature of the rooms individually.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very simple to make doctor appointments and the office was very comfortable, not hospital-esque like the doctors offices here. It was very quick, precise, kind, and I received the medication I needed at any pharmacy that I chose. Very convenient.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

ISEP did a great job supporting me from both sides, my home university as well as my exchange university

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 150€ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dobt be afraid to buy the cheapest brands from the discount sores, the food's quality in Europe is not determined by price! Also eating out as little as possible and actually cooking your own meals goes a ver very long way.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 300 in French and level 400 in music
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make a lot of native freinds :)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The staff and amazing people
  • My location
  • The experience
* What could be improved?
  • Costing less
  • The housing arrangement choice
  • Not going home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how to budget and how to better communicate with people I improved my french all around and became fluent.

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.