Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Immersion in Bordeaux August 24, 2022

By (History, Art History, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 05/16/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Bordeaux

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I gained a lot of independence, confidence, and experience. I also improved greatly in my language skills.

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?

Health care was easily accessible.

* Safety:

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

I loved Bordeaux, and I felt very supported while I was there. Middlebury prepared me well, and they supported me on the academic end very well.

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you budget well and find restaurants and places that serve students.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 300 level
How many hours per day did you 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
  • 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?
  • Host Family
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • More transparency about course evaluation methods
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is important to seize every opportunity to try something new

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:

French as Foreign Language, C1
Course Department:
Instructor: M. Beziade
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was not terribly challenging, but it improved my knowledge of French culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Intro Italian Renaissance Art
Course Department: Art History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course was interesting, and it was not too difficult to follow. There was minimal work for international students, but I would recommend taking it if you are interested in Renaissance art.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Cont Art History: Painting 19C
Course Department: Art History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course was interesting and offered a great summary of 19th century painting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Kingdom of France in 16C
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course was taught well, but the subject matter was not very interesting
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Ancient History:Roman Republic
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This course was interesting, but it was quite challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: No