Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Incredible Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Bordeaux

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of appreciation for what is means to be a part of a different culture, the differences and similarities inherent in such a shift. It was absolutely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very rigorous but all of the assistants and the program director, David, were very good about providing advice on what to take and giving help on how to approach the more difficult assignments

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at Sciences Po - Bordeaux was absolutely wonderful; I had no negative experiences and many positive ones

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family and I became very close over the course of the program. They were incredibly kind and helpful during the transition process.

* Food:

My dinners with the host family were consistently incredible. I'm a horrible chef but I even picked up a trick or two from them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were given all the tools we needed to became a part of the Bordeaux and Sciences Po community

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe

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

This was one of the best experiences of my entire life; I wouldn't trade it for the world

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? $75 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family as much as possible, plan your travels well in advance so they cost less

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

We couldn't speak English

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? French 221
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? Writing and reading are important, but I found oral expression and comprehension to be the most important parts of integration for me. Being able to have easy, effortless conversations with other people in your language of study is really helpful for integrating

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
  • 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 people
  • The food
  • The focus on language
* What could be improved?
  • I have literally nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is absolutely is what you put into it. If you work hard on integrating into the culture and city and people you're going to get a wonderful experience out of it. Also quick advice from a friend: don't take the history classes at Bordeaux Montagne, they're apparently very difficult for international students

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Methodes de Sciences Politique
Course Department:
Instructor: Mme Le-Hay
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Culture General
Course Department:
Instructor: Mme Rico
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economie

Course Department:
Instructor: M. Le-Heron
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Regulation Monetaire Internationaux
Course Department:
Instructor: M. Le-Heron
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Afrique Subsaharienne

Course Department:
Instructor: Rozenn Nakanabo Diallo
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Droit Integration Europeene

Course Department:
Instructor: M. Delzangas
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politique Etrangere Comparee

Course Department:
Instructor: M Compagnon
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Francais
Course Department:
Instructor: Melanie
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: