Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not as romantic/perfect as I thought but I grew in a huge way Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/06/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think independence and self-meditation and motivation were the biggest things I gained during my time abroad. Definitely worthwhile.

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)

Most of my personal expenses were on food, and granted I often had to save on food but not too much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy cheap foods! Honestly some of the best food I had in Paris was cheap sandwiches and brea/cheese combos, as well as just kebabs and other cheap ethnic foods in any of the ethnic districts.

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 342
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? Meet people to talk to, engage in conversation with your host families, try to meet classmates (granted this is ridiculously hard)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The freedom and the free time to explore the city with my friends
* What could be improved?
  • The housing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive studying abroad is but also how to save money and how to optimize the experience while saving cash

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!