Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very fun, eye opening, and immersive experience March 29, 2023

By (Architecture, French, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2023 to 12/16/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The language, the culture, many good friends. 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

The Middlebury Language School was amazing and super helpful. There are always events going on to participate in. Staffs were kind and lovely. The deducting in one star would be because the Ecole Special d'Architecture Administration were not so good. They were slow and not informative. Not helpful. Treated us like we've been there for years and did not provide us any transitioning while just throwing us into classes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Satisfied. I lived in a foyer and made many friends while also improving my French. Could've had a better room because mine was on the ground floor and windows are barred up.

* Food:

Love the food in Paris. I balanced between cooking by myself and going out to new places to eat.

* 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 had a great time if I ignored the few overnighters I did for my architecture project.

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)

It is easy, if you manage and cook. (and not travel outside Paris as much as I did)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $300+ (including my travels)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook! It's fun to cook with friends and eat in. Plan your travel in advance so it's cheaper. (Many many good hostels around too!)

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

All the time!

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? FREN0369
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Keep using it. Start it off with the language regardless of your competency.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Easy to travel.
  • Paris is an incredible city.
  • All new and I learned a great deal.
* What could be improved?
  • ESA could be more structured and helpful to exchange and int. students
  • Support on Architecture supplies.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Give yourself some time to rest and breath.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced French: Low
Course Department: French
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was challenging but Patrick was incredibly amazing at his teaching. We were assessed via papers, exams, homework, participation, and overall individual progress. I felt like I learned a whole lot from Patrick! Would recommend to anyone!
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Lit/cine/French
Course Department: French
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was challenging and it was so fun! I participated in this course lots and the Professor utilized many methods in teaching including field trips, watching cinema, and French literature.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Design and Landscaping with Plants
Course Department: Architecture
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very challenging, fun, but unstructured. I participated as much as I can, more than my home institution. I was assessed via homework, exams, and project deliverables.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Architecture Workshop
Course Department: Architecture
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very very challenging. Tough. Hard work and many late nights. However, I learned a great deal. I participated and worked much more than at my home institution. I was assessed through projects progression, presentation, and final deliverables.
Credit Transfer Issues: