Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There's nothing like immersion to teach a language. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being proactive with one's time as well as a lot about speaking French.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

I didn't have any particular health issues, so this isn't really applicable.

* Safety:

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

I had a good experience overall and was happy with my courses and progression in the French language. Although I had some problems with my host mother, it did not put me off the program as a whole.

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? 80 euro/month on the metro pass, ~ 100 euro/week on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying groceries and cooking is definitely the cheapest way to eat.

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? Introduction to Contemporary France
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? Follow the language pledge even when you don't have to.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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 focus on language is key.
  • I felt close with fellow students in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Many people had problems with their living situations.
  • It felt difficult to meet and befriend parisian students, but I don't know if that can be helped.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's over too quickly not to take advantage of everything that's available.

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:

Francafrique
Course Department:
Instructor: M. Mongo-Mboussa
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was engaging and interesting and the professor was super knowledgeable about the subject. We had several cool field trips that were quite relevant. I probably participated about the same amount as I would have at home. We were assessed on papers, exams, and presentations.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Medieval French Art History
Course Department:
Instructor: Mme. Stevenson
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This class was also interesting, although the course periods themselves were not very involved and tended to be more lecture based. We had a few field trips that were complementary to the course material. I participated in class probably more than at home, simply because I tended to remember the material better than other students. We were assessed on exams and a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: