Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go Bordeaux! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Bordeaux

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, perspective on the life of others and my life back home, comfort in uncomfortable situations, and a taste of a lovely culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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

My abroad experience was a perfect combination of a lovely city, a solid university program, and a wonderful host family--could hardly have hoped for much better.

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 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan meals ahead of time.

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? Advanced
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 4 at Middlebury Language School (~300 level during the school year)
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? Put yourself in scenarios where you have no other option but to use the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 city itself
  • The quality of instruction
  • The program assistants and my host family
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy every moment!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Latin 3 (linguistique)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: M. Gavoille
Instruction Language: French
Comments: A very interesting and worthwhile class for a Latin scholar or a linguist that examines the origins of the language as they trace back to Indo-European. However, a little repetitive at times when it didn't need to be, and too brief when the professor should've taken time to go over topics again.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Littérature française
Course Department: Lettres Modernes
Instructor: Mme. DeFrance
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Mme. DeFrance was a fairly capable and knowledgeable teacher, but it felt as though the class lost direction at times and descended into episodic rambling. In addition, the TD periods were 3 hours long, which is quite a bit for an exchange student.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Latin (civilisation et culture)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: Geraldine Puccini
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was a real pleasure to take this class with Mme. Puccini, a well-established scholar in the field whose translations we actually used in the class. Our discussions of the literature we read were always interesting and fruitful. Would recommend for Latin and non-Latin students alike.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Latin (traduction rapide)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: M. Flamerie-de-la-Chappelle
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Much easier than the other half of the Latin translation course. Instruction was effective and expectations were clear. I was able to participate plenty, even as an exchange student.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Latin (traduction)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: Gauthier Liberman
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very challenging course taught by a more-than-capable professor. After 2 years of Latin study I felt adequately prepared for this course--or at least in the upper half of the students there. A little discouraging at times, but ultimately well, well worth it.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Grec (langue)
Course Department: Lettres classiques
Instructor: Mme. Gotteland
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The teacher was certainly knowledgable and engaging, and was always prepared for class. Assessments took place as brief quizzes on vocabulary and translation.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Grec (langue et civilisation)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: M. Yvonneau
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Good professor, certainly knowledgable, but not always terribly prepared for class. Standards for assessment were more or less clear, but there was some confusion as to what would be on the quizzes/tests at times.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Grec (linguistique)
Course Department: Lettres Classiques
Instructor: M. Lambert
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very useful and interesting course for any student of Greek. Professor went through the material at a good pace and explained concepts thoroughly.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Bible et Littérature
Course Department: Lettres Modernes
Instructor: Mme. Duval
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Easily the most interesting and engaging course I took in my time abroad. Mme. Duval is a brilliant teacher--knowledgable and more than well-prepared. Class assessments were difficult at times, but the professor was very helpful in clarifying any misunderstandings or difficulties. Would highly recommend.
Credit Transfer Issues: