Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenges faced and mostly conquered! January 05, 2023

By (International and Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2022 to 05/29/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Greatly improved my French abilities, familiarized myself with Paris. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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

I like the emphasis on total language immersion

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)

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? Advanced

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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?
  • Language pledge
  • Program field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Integration into host institution
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? French people are hard to make friends with, don't get discouraged if it doesn't work out.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Union in Turmoil
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Gaillard
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was very instructive, but the professor was going through some personal difficulties and could not focus very well on preparing coursework. I participated a lot in class, just as I would at my home institution. My assignments were assessed well.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems.
Course Name/Rating:

Phonetics
Course Department:
Instructor: Langlois
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The class was not very challenging, though some of the information was useful and interesting. The professor was knowledgeable. I participated well in class, as I would at my home institution. I was evaluated well and received good scores on the assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.