Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the view of the Eiffel tower outside my window Past Review

By (Psychology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 05/19/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more culturally aware. I learned to be more independent and sociable. Every experience I had in Paris was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris Photo

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.

I was academically challenged as I was able to take classes at a Parisian university. If I had any difficulties understanding or completing an assignment, the Middlebury College program had a tutoring service that paired students with a subject-specific tutor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was perfect. All questions were answered promptly. They reassured students that their time abroad will be wonderful and even encouraged them to take advantage of their time. Their presence was warm and comforting.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in a foyer (Foyer Chaillot Galliera). I personally enjoyed living in a foyer because I had more independence. I did not feel as though I was intruding. I was able to come and leave as I please. I did not have a curfew. I was allowed to have visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet several girls from Martinique, Guadalupe, Tunisia, Germany, Spain, and Italy. I loved this international environment. We all spoke french but were united by an accent which made it less intimidating to initiate conversation.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did an excellent job of hosting events (wine tasting, opera, ballet) and organizing excursions (trips to Avignon and Giverny) that allowed us to explore France culturally and historically.

* 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 program did an excellent job of guiding each student. It was not too restrictive and it allowed for exploration.

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)

I lived in a foyer for which I paid 600 euros a month. That was a bit pricey but it had dinner from Monday through Friday included. The area (8th arrondissement) made it difficult to look for cheap places to eat. I did take advantage of Crous, the cheap dining options for many Parisian students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not eat out that often. Expenses accumulate. Try to cook as much as you can. Buy Tupperware.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 230 class
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? Listen to the radio every morning when getting ready. Follow French news sources on twitte/facebook. Listen to French music. Watch American shows/ movies with french subtitles and audio

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • location
  • events
  • administration
* What could be improved?
  • accessible trips
  • extra curriculars
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew we would take classes at the center alongside master students

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:

Clinical Adult & Child Psychology

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Heloise Haliday
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was a second year course, which made it difficult to follow because it required previous knowledge of certain theories, themes, and texts. Thankfully, I met with a tutor along with other midd students who also needed help understanding new concepts. Psychology in France is taught differently. For this reason, i always felt behind and as if I knew nothing regarding psychology.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not.
Course Name/Rating:

eading the French Novel
Course Department: Literature
Instructor: J.B.
Instruction Language: French
Comments: No this class was not challenging. It was a first-year course. The professor was considerate of international students. It was a small class. It meant once a week for 3 hours. I felt fairly comfortable participating.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not.
Course Name/Rating:

Frenchc Language 2: Avance intermedaire
Course Department: French
Instructor: Patrick Guedon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was not at all challenging. The only aspect that posed a problem was the professor's stringent encouragement of pronouncing every word correctly. He picked on some students until they got it right and often times this took time from class - time that could have been used to teach something. Despite this, I did learn a great deal. I learned slang and I was able to strengthen my grammar in addition to my vocabulary.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not.
Course Name/Rating:

Histoire et Memoire de la Grande Guerre
Course Department: History
Instructor: Andre Loez
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was challenging just because the professor was strict and particular in how we presented our expose. However, I met with a tutor to prepare me for my own expose. I did not participate in class as much as I wanted to but I think I did a well job of doing all the readings and paying attention to lectures.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not. I am a French minor.
Course Name/Rating:

Psychoanalysis II
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Karen Mock
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was not challenging. We had no weekly assignments to turn in. All we had was readings. The readings were at times short or long. It was a Freudian text which made it difficult to read it in french as an exchange student. In addition, I did not like that the professor simply sat in her chair and spoke to the class in an unenthusiastic manner.She did, however, make certain concepts more clear when one did not understand the reading.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, this class only met once a week for 2 hours which does not meet the qualifications of a Middlebury course.