Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would I do It All Over Again if I Could? Yes. Past Review

By (International Business, University of Tampa) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to not be afraid to immerse myself in another culture. Traveling the world is something I want to do the rest of my life. Being abroad helped me realize that about myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The main focus of the American University of Paris was to engage students in the classroom. I learned through doing and presenting instead of sitting and listening to a lecture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was scared to go off to Paris by myself, but SAI made me feel as comfortable as possible. I found amazing and lifelong friends in my program, but also found a mentor. My program advisor, Jenn, was only willing to help and answered every question that I had. She pushed us to immerse ourselves in the French culture and taught us so stay open minded throughout our entire journey. She offered us advice whenever needed and always welcomed us to her office. Jenn truly helped me make Paris my home away from home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the district where I lived, and I lived with five other people. The apartment was perfect and cute, I felt like I was living like a Parisian. Obviously, with six girls not everyone is going to get along, but we made the best of it!

* Food:

Crepes were the best! And don't worry, there's Chipotle in Paris!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues with health care, I did have to buy some medicine at the pharmacy and I just asked my program advisor what to buy!

* Safety:

I have never felt more safe in a city!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

SAI made me feel at home where I knew nobody. I got to bond with other students and got to go on trips that were planned by the program advisor.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I ate out a lot because I wanted to try as many restaurants as possible, but definitely eat in as much as possible and make your own French food!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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

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
  • 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?
  • students I met
  • Feeling welcomed in Paris
  • feeling prepared
* What could be improved?
  • reminder how important visas are
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to pack less clothes, because shopping there was awesome! I also wish I prepared myself to speak French so I could communicate right from the start.

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.