Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very challenging but overall positive. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2019 to 12/17/2017 with

Sciences Po Bordeaux: Free Mover Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence, confidence and language skills.

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.

very intense, tutors were very helpful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The student advisors that were there were very good.

* 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

I was seeking a challenge.

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 a very expensive city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Likely 100 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel is what is most expensive.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200
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? Try not to be timid even though it is hard.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • MIddlebury advisors only ask about your language skills not so much your wellbeing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish the Middlebury advisors could provide us with better advice on which classes to take.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

méthodes sciences politiques
Course Department:
Instructor: Ferry
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Nice professor-- good chance to interact with french students
Credit Transfer Issues: not so far