Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taxing, but fruitful and fun August 01, 2023

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/23/2023 to 05/04/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was certainly worthwhile. Experience in Europe, exposure to new political ideas, language practice, cultural experience (seeing the sights!)

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

The Middlebury School provides a great support system and is a reassuring presence when you have any questions/challenges navigating an aspect of being in Paris. If you are at SciencesPo like I was, you will have a very challenging academic experience – but you will come away from it feeling much more capable and smart than you did when you entered.

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)

Paris is an expensive city – but it is doable to live on a student's budget. It is important not to get too caught up in the pressure to travel frequently/travel long distances, as you might see many of your peers do. Also, many cultural activities are free :)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~ $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Almost all museums are free. Walks are free. Go to the student cafeterias.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? B2/C1 level, or Middlebury 300
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? Watch French TV shows and movies. That is where you pick up on common phrases.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • My peers
  • Course options
  • Support system
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation (very exhausting)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Paris specifically can be very gloomy in the spring. If weather is an important contributor to your happiness, please be cautious here!

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 Linguist
You 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:

Introduction à la Science Politique
Course Department: Science Politique
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very good review of key concepts in Political Science. A challenging and rigorous experience even for those already having taken introductory classes in Poli Sci. There are routine written analyses, a large presentation, and one big final exam for this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not attempt to transfer credits.
Course Name/Rating:

LIBERTÉ D’EXPRESSION EN THÉORIE ET EN PRATIQUE
Course Department: Humanités
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Fantastic professor, interesting concepts. A Middlebury professor is even featured on the syllabus!
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not attempt to transfer credits.
Course Name/Rating:

RÔLE POLITIQUE DE L’HISTOIRE – ANALYSE DES EXPÉRIENCES TRAUMATIQUES
Course Department: Sciences Politique
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Definitely a challenging course – one 30-60 minute presentation and a large final paper constitute your final grade. The professor is honest and you must be willing to accept harsh criticism. However, I learned a lot and would take it again.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not attempt to transfer credits.
Course Name/Rating:

ENJEUX MATÉRIELS ET TECHNOLOGIQUES DES ÉLECTIONS : DE L’ISOLOIR AUX FAKE NEWS
Course Department: Sciences Politique
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: A much more mellow course compared to other SciencesPo classes. Highly knowledgeable professor, and deeply relevant topics. Lower-stakes assessment style: one paper (which you can rewrite) and a presentation with a partner.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not attempt to transfer credits.
Course Name/Rating:

FRANCAIS INTERMÉDIAIRE (B2)
Course Department: Langues
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: An important class to help you keep up with a full courseload in French. Very comfortable assessment and grading (although assessments are frequent - almost every class).
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not attempt to transfer credits.