Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Making mistakes, learning balance, and cherishing friendship August 30, 2023

By (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/09/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Poitiers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile, learned life skills, people skills, a new language, new academic content

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.

The host university itself was not outstanding in any way, but the resources and support from Middlebury was very helpful and made the semester go smoothly

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Helpful and thorough orientation as well as continuous support throughout the semester. Regular meetings and visits with the director were very helpful and pleasant

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice apartment, had everything I needed, not too far from the city center, simple monthly payment process

* Food:

I didn't get food from the CROUS at school, but enjoyed the French food I ate out and about

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had already lived in France and had friends who I saw regularly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was encouraged by the program director to see a doctor when I was sick and was offered appropriate support. The prices and ease of the French healthcare system were very nice and I wish the USA had a similar system

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe for the most part. The extent of discomfort was a few instances of catcalling

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was a lovely city, I made great friends from the program and from the host country, nice mix of independence and support from Middlebury, interesting classes but some a little disappointing (hence the missing star)

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70-80 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Invest in the SNCF student pass if you plan on travelling a lot! I received a year end summary and found I saved hundreds of Euros

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

We had a 100% of the time language pledge

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? C1
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? Make friends who are native speakers of the host language, it's a good opportunity to practice and learn more everyday terms and expressions

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Support/Program Director!
  • Tours and group events during orientation
* What could be improved?
  • More clarification with U of Poitiers' academic schedule, it was very confusing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The number of solely lecture courses I would have and the lack of support/one-on-one time with the professor

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Economie Bancaire
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: NOTE: I've already completed thorough course evaluations for all courses directly with the program director
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues