Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Middlebury Schools Abroad program in Paris is fantastic Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 05/15/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improved my language skills a lot and learned a lot about France. Definitely worthwhile.

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.

* 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 have been to several other study abroad programs and none of them came close in quality, language instruction, or overall experience to the Middlebury program.

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)

Paris is a rather expensive to live. I was not staying with a family, so I had to buy all of my own food, which of course makes my expenditure higher.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Maybe consider staying with a family if you are very concerned about saving money.

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? 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? FREN 230
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? Speaking with local university students is probably one of the best ways to practice and improve quickly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Opportunity to pursue an internship
  • Freedom to choose classes
  • I really liked that some courses were hosted at the Centre Madeleine
* What could be improved?
  • Language course instruction was not great
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before I went, I was told that community service on the weekends was required, and that the only way to get out of the obligation was to do an internship, which was my initial reason for pursuing an internship.

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:

French Language Course
Course Department: French
Instructor: Patrick Guédon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Professor was somewhat antagonising, although I felt that he helped me improve my speaking abilities.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Le retour du tragique
Course Department: French Literature
Instructor: Bernard Alazet
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Course was challenging, but professor was very knowledgeable and easy to understand.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.