Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pretty good. Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/20/2017 to 12/23/2017 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Paris - Sarah Lawrence College in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Challenge yourself. Challenges are worth your while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I can't see the numbers here, but I'm assuming that the ones further to the right are good. My experience with Sarah Lawrence was great, and provided sufficient rigor and resources--including some I wasn't expecting. I didn't think I would enjoy my grammar class, but I did. Sciences Po left something to be desired, namely because one of my course suffered from a disconnect between our syllabi and actual assigned texts, as well as a lecturer who cancelled class more often than expected.

* 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)

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Various literature courses.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to the news in your target language. Integrate texts in the target language into classes where it may not be immediately necessary, like in political science courses.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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
  • Language opportunities
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • French university bureaucracy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cities are very cool. It's important to get to know a city beyond the superficial experience you get as a tourist.

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!