Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm so happy to have gone abroad, especially to Paris. Poetry, Painting. Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Millsaps College) - abroad from 06/21/2012 to 07/07/2012 with

Millsaps College: Summer 2012 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to go to so many different museums and see so many famous works--that was very rewarding. It was all very worthwhile, especially getting to observe French culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I would've much rather stayed in a dorm with other students instead of a homestay.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $30 or $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is wise to have at least $1000 saved up (this varies of course on how long you plan to be abroad). Also, know that when you withdraw American dollars from a European ATM, there will be a service charge.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 1010
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? Don't try to translate everything. Go into it knowing key phrases and verbs you are likely to use. Don't stress too much about it.

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

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Musee d'Orsay
* What could be improved?
  • I would rather have stayed in a dorm so as to get more interaction with other students from around the world.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You cannot make the assumption that most people will know English.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.