Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best way to become fluent in French language and culture. Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 05/21/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Fluency in the language and a real-life experience of living the French lifestyle. It was absolutely worthwhile. I wish it had lasted longer!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was very rigorous and required a lot of hard work in order to pass classes. I learned especially through various required French novels assigned from the Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff members of Middlebury were extremely accessible and always willing to help. They went out of their way to make students always feel welcome and safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family and the arrangements could not have been better. The family itself was accommodating, kind, and always willing to help, and as far as the arrangements, I had my own, rather large for Paris, room, as well as a spacious kitchen and dining area the family shared with me.

* Food:

Everywhere I ate, from with my host family, to at Middlebury at events, to any restaurant or market, the food was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although it was sometimes difficult because of the language barrier, this improved over time, and I was able to interact with local residents in different settings.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues or concerns while abroad.

* Safety:

Middlebury constantly alerted us of potentially dangerous situations, telling us which areas of Paris to avoid on certain dates.

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

I do not have any complaints about this program. I learned so much and met wonderful people with similar goals along the way.

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)

It is possible to save money by preparing meals at home. The most I spent money on was definitely food. Preparing meals at home and bringing them on-the-go rather than eating out can save a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare meals at home

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 were technically required to speak nothing but French while on the program. This helped tremendously in everyone's improvement throughout the semester.

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? 300 and 400-level French college courses at the University of Michigan (Dearborn and Ann Arbor)
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? Speak it. With anyone you can. And read and watch French news.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • My host family
  • Middlebury staff, and students
  • Living in Paris/big city life
* What could be improved?
  • more organized outings to different parts of France
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to understand and speak effectively

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:

Flaneries, Promenades, Errances et Fuites
Course Department: Litterature Comparee (Comparative Literature
Instructor: Guido Furci
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Yes, the course was difficult. It was very thought-provoking and philosophical, and there were various readings that often proved challenging for non-native speakers.
Credit Transfer Issues: