Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mesmerizing - Poetry, Painting, and Paris Past Review

By (Undecided, Millsaps College) - abroad from 06/20/2012 to 07/07/2012 with

Millsaps College: Summer 2012 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile, I would go again in a heartbeat. It was so interesting to learn about another culture, especially the particular behaviors of not only the French, but of Parisians. The art and sights we got to see were absolutely phenomenal. I think about the trip all the time, and cannot wait to go abroad again.

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?

* 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)

I did not have a hard time living on a budget, food and events planned very well to fit into smaller budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Learning French Culture
  • Museums
  • Staying with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • optional trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not pack too much. I was told before and did not believe. When you have to carry your luggage you have to carry it a lot and for a long time. Make it easy on yourself, refrain from over packing. Also be prepared to walk a lot, and be ready to learn to travel the subways (its easy once you get it) Also people will tell you that the French are mean to tourists, which is not true I did not meet one mean Parisian. Just pay attention to the tips your teacher gives you, and if you respect their ways they won't be frustrated with you. Dr. Miller gave us great insight to their culture and how they behave so we were able to assimilate quickly.

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.'