Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great for cultural immersion Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/08/2019 to 12/22/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
To live more like an adult To speak only French with very little English To take classes in a very un-American structure

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

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? pack lunches!

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? Fluent
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? A French 300 level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • intensity for language
  • strong administration
  • framework of program
* What could be improved?
  • more exposure to the culture through the classes. Was very good thought the program, but sometimes wished the classes were not solely in the classroom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Slightly better organization of class times and schedule, not as obvious to commute around a city such as Paris.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French Literature
Course Department: French
Instructor: Professor Alazet
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was a great class, and material very interesting. Unfortunately did not incorporate the environment and field trips very well into the course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues with transfer
Course Name/Rating:

Chef de L'etat
Course Department: French/History
Instructor: Professor Roussellier
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Was a great class that combined both French history regarding presidents as well as French culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problem at all, transferred right back to Middlebury