Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not what I expected, but very rewarding Past Review

By (Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/31/2016 with

MICEFA: Nanterre - Study Abroad at Paris West University Nanterre La Defense

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It teaches a type of independence, it was worthwhile.

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

MICEFA had a fairly hands off policy, which frightened me at the beginning, but ultimately I found it rewarding.

* 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

MICEFA was there for you when you needed them, but fairly hands off, which forced you to learn to fend for yourself.

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? 130$ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for deals, especially on travel. Find out where the discount grocery stores are.

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? 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? FR 340C
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? Be confident and do your best, even if you don't feel confident. What I regret most is not putting myself out there enough in terms of speaking.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Created a sense of security in a new place
* What could be improved?
  • Registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One semester is not enough time to integrate into French society.

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.