Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best 4 months of my life Past Review

By (Psychology, James Madison University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/15/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad was an enormously influential experience. I met some of the greatest people and we became closer in 4 months than I could have possibly imagined. Study abroad has given me the confidence to leave my comfort zone and realize that I can not only survive but thrive in difficult circumstances.

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.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As great as the restaurants are in Paris, try to cook in as much as possible. You can make some really great and cheap meals that will allow you to spend more money traveling and seeing things.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Housing
  • Normany trip
* What could be improved?
  • More day to day interaction between coordinator and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew how hard it would be leaving Paris behind. Although I only lived there for a few months I feel like a part of me never left and will always find comfort there.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!