Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bordeaux was amazing but adjusting was harder than I expected August 12, 2023

By (French Language, Literature, Amherst College) - abroad from 01/01/2023 to 05/18/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Bordeaux

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really improved my French skills, and I feel much more independent and capable, but I realized that having a friend support system is very important to me, and it was hard to be away from my close friends at college.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

I had a very good experience, although I was more homesick than I expected. The program challenged me in a good way, and I vastly improved my French, which was my main reason for studying abroad.

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? $200

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? 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked being enrolled and taking classes at a local university, it really improved my French
  • I also liked living with a host family, although it wasn't always easy
* What could be improved?
  • The one in house class I took with Middlebury was very specific and a little niche for people who aren't history majors.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew it was going to be harder for me emotionally than I expected to be away from the United States, my family and friends, as I felt abnormal for feeling that way but realized towards the end that most people in my program also felt that way.

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!