Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing! July 30, 2025

By (Computer Science, Mount Holyoke College) - abroad from 01/05/2025 to 05/19/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was definitely worthwhile! I made so many connections and can now confidently say that I speak French! The administration was also helpful in settling into my new environment which made it an even more seamless and enjoyable process for me. I'd 100% do this all over again

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.

I found some of the in-house courses to be extremely intense considering the fact that not everyone was super fluent in French

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

the administration was super strict and rigid sometimes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the most part, I had no issues with the housing arrangement. My major concern was with meals. I was told I'd have 4 dinners with my host family. However, my family would not effectively communicate when they would be around for dinner or not. As a result, I would sometimes go without eating only to realize late in the night that my family would not be having dinner that day.

* 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

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Sign up for volunteer programs. You get to meet completely new people and improve on your communication and listening skills. I volunteered with ACERMA and had an amazing experience

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
  • Americans
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?
  • Taking classes at French university
* What could be improved?
  • More flexibility from administration
  • Reduced intensity of in-house program to suit all level of learners
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live with a host family; it takes away a lot of stress of navigating a new environment. However, from my experience and that of other exchange student, do not fully depend on your family for meals even if you sign up for such a package since they mostly eat out

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.