Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

BEST SEMESTER OF MY LIFE Past Review

By (University of Mississippi) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

SAI Study Abroad: Paris - American University of Paris (AUP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about opening my eyes up to other cultures and ideas. I learned more about being independent and willing to try new things. Overall, I think this program helped me mature and understand the world better.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

AUP was a good school with enough resources for a school of that size. My classes were easy with a light workload, but my roommates were in upper level classes that seemed a bit more challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location and great apartment!

* Food:

If you don't like French food, you have a problem!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had American classmates and American roommates, so I wasn't too integrated with the local culture. For someone with minimal French, it's perfect though. I interacted with the French at restaurants, the grocery store, and other things like that throughout the day but Paris has so many tourists that it's hard to be fully in the French 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)

Paris isn't cheap, but if you don't eat out a lot and split expenses with roommates, it's very doable.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None at all in French
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? Even if the locals will speak English to you, use French! They're normally happy to help you learn and you can catch on really quickly that way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The help we received with housing and the application process
* What could be improved?
  • It's a little pricey
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, nothing. I loved going into the whole thing kind of blind and learning it all as I went!

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 Adventurer
The 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.