Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My greatest summer experience studying abroad. Past Review

By (Visual Communications, Illinois State University) for

Novancia Business School Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes because I proved to myself that I could survive a different culture and fit in. I made friends from Switzerland, France, Germany, and Argentina. I think that's fantastic. I would love to go again and travel more.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I liked how the instructors provided all the course work for us and had everything prepared in binders.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I didn't like sleeping in a bunk bed.

* 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? I probably spent between 50-100 Euro each week. I spent more when I went out to eat but I tried my best to cook in my apartment.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more money than you think you will spend. Europe is expensive.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to try something new. You'll have all the support you need if you have never been out of the country before. While you're in Europe, take every opportunity to talk and meet people. Travel as much as you can because you will really learn about yourself and other cultures.