A 100% worth it challenge! July 01, 2026
By A student (Environmental Policy, Washington University in St. Louis) - abroad from 01/04/2026 to 05/22/2026 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris
I gained a lot of French skills, a lot of self-confidence, and a ton of memories in Paris.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Paris, especially in my neighborhood (Chinatown). In general, don't be stupid. I think it helps that I come from New York City. I think Paris is safer than New York though. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Keep in mind with this review I am an overspender! Paris is one of the pricier cities to study abroad in. The Metro pass eats into your budget, and going out could be cheaper. That said, I found food to be reasonably priced, and I had weekday dinners with my host mother. I spent the most money on travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100/week including clothes sometimes, not including travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't over-travel (pick 4-5 places you've always wanted to go, and prioritize trips within France or train distance), be mindful about clothing purchases, meal-prep. |
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 |
Middlebury 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 322 at WashU; in French, advanced |
| 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? | Talk out loud to yourself about your day and things like that |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | The French university system is not like the U.S.'s, it's slow and you often don't learn about exam dates until the last minute which can be stressful. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
