Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I had more time! Past Review

By (History And Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/22/2014 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about dealing with the French bureaucracy and in general about dealing with being somewhere alone and relying on no one but yourself. It was definitely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sciences Po administration is not very helpful or understanding whenever situations come up. The bureaucracy that you have to deal with to get anything done is incredibly annoying.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I went through an outside agency called Atome, and I was put into a french host-family in Paris. I loved it!

* Food:

I loved the food in Paris, and I especially loved the fact my host mother cooked dinner for me every night. But I did miss some food from North America.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

French people and in particular, Parisians, are difficult to actually get to know on a deep level. But you just have to keep trying.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I would just stay home any time I was sick. I was very unclear as to what the policies were for healthcare.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 is a really expensive city and it was pretty hard to stay on budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least 50 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create an excel sheet with your expenses; give yourself a budget per week, and at the end, if you spent less than your allotted money for the week, give yourself that money as allowance for the next week; and so on.

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

You could get by without speaking a word of French. All of the international students and even the local students spoke English.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper Division
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? Get a host family that speaks the local language and make friends with locals!

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

  • 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?
  • Living in Paris
* What could be improved?
  • The UT study abroad office could be a lot more helpful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You should always bring flip flops abroad b/c they cost a lot of money over there and there is no way in hell you are going to want to shower in the hostel showers without them.

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!