Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/01/2017 to 05/18/2017 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I picked up a greater respect for a foreign culture and different way of life. It was truly rewarding.

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.

The lecturing of the French professors was difficult to keep up with at times. In addition, the school work could take cumbersome amounts of time due to the amount and language barrier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Budget problems were frequent, but I enjoyed the time of plenty I did have.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was an attack in the city while I was there, but it was an accepted part of life.

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

I think with more realistic expectations of what my program entailed, I would be better able to succeed. I chose a relatively difficult path while at Sciences Po, but it was not outside of my capacity to succeed.

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)

There was a need to either work in France or ask for support from home. The cost of living was very high.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to cook for yourself for the majority of the time.

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

We were not allowed to use English on this program.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 0221 From Romanticism to Modernism
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? Stick to the language pledge and try to stay in the native language.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The culture.
  • The experience of being a traveller abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • The difficulty of the language barrier.
  • The monetary constraints.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had strived to integrate deeper into the native culture.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French Language I
Course Department:
Instructor: Paul Guedon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was challenging but rewarding. The assesments were mainly papers and oral assesments.
Credit Transfer Issues: