In the Library with a Croissant Past Review
By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/02/2019 to 05/17/2019 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned 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? |
|
* Safety: |
|
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would have gone to Bordeaux--I did not have any other choices besides Middlebury programs. |
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) |
The homestay is absurdly expensive. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150, and I was living extremely frugily (eating black beans and rice for many meals) |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Change the program so that we don't have to stay in homestays--or find a more affordable option--they are extremely expensive. |
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? | French230 |
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? | Watch tv shows and listen to podcasts |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would be spending the vast majority of my time in the library. |
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 LinguistYou 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: |
Urbanization and Globalization |
Course Department: | Geography |
Instructor: | Eric Verdeil |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | The class was somewhat repetitive but interesting. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I am unsure |
Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced French |
Course Department: | French |
Instructor: | Patrick Guedon |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | The teacher was very often off-topic and unfortunately much of the class felt like a waste of time. We learned little grammar and when we did, it was in hyper-rapid short bursts that did not sink in well. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I don't know |
Course Name/Rating: |
European Union |
Course Department: | Political Science |
Instructor: | Marion Gaillard |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | One of the best professors I have ever had |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Unsure |
Course Name/Rating: |
History of 20th Century |
Course Department: | History |
Instructor: | Thomas Maineult |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | Very difficult |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Unsure |
Course Name/Rating: |
History of French Empire |
Course Department: | History |
Instructor: | Andre Loez |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | Difficult and too fast |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Unsure |
Featured Program Providers