Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had an amazing experience and I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Past Review

By (Trinity College) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/19/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Bordeaux

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a larger perspective of international politics and culture.

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.

It was hard but definitely worth it.

* 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 french really improved while I studied in Bordeaux. Not only that, but my confidence to speak improved. This is something I will need to continue working on while I continue studying in America but now I know I can do it.

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 30+ euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend buying a bottle of wine to share with friends, to picnic, instead of going out to restaurants or bars.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? a history class in french in college. I am unsure what level it was
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? do not speak in english. Try to limit talking to friends from home and family.

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?
  • Language component
  • travel with the program
  • the soccer team I joined while at Science Po
* What could be improved?
  • tutoring in the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I shouldn't be afraid to mess up because everyone learning a new language does. Being a perfectionist gets you nowhere fast.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.