An enjoyable immersion January 11, 2022
By Natasha C (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2021 to 12/18/2021 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris
I found it worthwhile. I learned about French history, stereotypes, and cultural understandings between France and Africa/EU.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not difficult, it was mainly the language barrier that posed the most challenges. I was supposed to receive learning accommodations and after weeks of trying to sort that out, it never came into fruition and I was left struggling on my own. Not many resources at all, no tutoring, no office hours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There weren't many academic resources for students such as tutoring nor resources outside of class for adjusting to the city. Middlebury overly emphasized student's independence. The design of the courses offered at the Middlebury center were mainly structured under the American design yet they expected us to assimilate into the French education system so the constant switching between the two structures was annoying. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay residence was key to fully immersing myself into French culture and learning about the ins and outs of Paris. |
| * Food: |
The food is so bland. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took the metro, lived in a non touristy part of the city, visited museums, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The pharmacy was efficient. |
| * Safety: |
I had no issues, I was often fearful of someone stealing my stuff on the metro but that never happened. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
After participating in the Middlebury in Paris program, I believe it would be better if I explored other options. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Paris is expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 250 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of expenses and stay conscious |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Mandatory language pledge. |
| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use social media to find or create events with other French people |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | They expect a lot and the language barrier can be awkward sometimes. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
