Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A challenging yet rewarding experience Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/31/2016 to 05/13/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater understanding of French culture, the language, and way of life. It was absolutely worthwhile--this was definitely the most formative academic year for me.

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.

Extremely rigorous, and requires a fairly high level of linguistic competence

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Second semester was much better, but first semester was not a great host family placement.

* 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

The Middlebury Paris program is extremely rigorous, almost to a fault. Because of this level of academic rigor, you don't really get as much of a "typical" study abroad experience you might expect--there wasn't as much time for local sight-seeing, visiting museums/galleries, seeing theater or musical productions, touring the city, traveling, etc. as I would have hoped, since so much time was spent at the library. That being said, my French did improve greatly, and I feel comfortable working in the language in any academic or even a business capacity.

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? 130 Euros approximately
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? the estimates provided are a bit on the low side; I would come with much more than what the personal expenses line lists.

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? 200-level
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? Meeting French people, speaking with other students in classes

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
  • 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?
  • Level of learning
  • The office team
* What could be improved?
  • Regulations from Middlebury College back in Vermont
  • Registrar back in Vermont
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known just how intensive it would be, and how varied experiences can be based on which university you're in and which department.

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:

Philosophy of Law
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Sonia Boussange
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was very challenging, and also meant for law/philosophy double majors, which I wasn't. Because of that, my grade ended up being lower than I feel I would have received had it been back at Middlebury/with the transfer system Middlebury uses.
Credit Transfer Issues: