The experience I thought would never change my life like this....for the better! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

European countries are very hard working when it comes to school, so it did help to keep basically the same level or more of concentrating on work to be done. The teaching methods are a lot different, but I enjoyed them better over here than in America.

On-site administration of your program

The program is not very big, there were only about 40 students total for Syracuse University. It gave a lot of attention to each student. Everyone including families, faculty, administration, etc are all very supportive and help you in any way possible to make the study abroad a good experience. My expectations were 'over-met'. I did not expect it to be so beautiful over here, and I did not realize how much I would grow, learn about the world, and about myself while I was over here. It was not difficult to get things done, but I did travel a lot which adds to everything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighborhood is very safe, and I never feel at harm here. All my sheets, towels, bed/etc are given to me. I am also allowed to use their fridge/silverware/piano/laundry room/anything that would make me feel apart of the family. My mother told me when I got here that I am her daughter while I am here, and that is true and made me feel very comfortable. I do, however, have to buy all my own accessories/shampoo & conditioner/soap/etc. But they do buy toilet paper and stuff around the house. All of my family members are so nice, and anyone who came to visit the house was very respectful of me as well.

Portions of food in europe are much smaller, but healthier than America. the food is great over here. I love panini's, all their deserts, and many things. You can find good food wherever you go.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We are going Berlin/Leipzig for 8 days tomorrow. It is our music trip seminar which shall be really fun, and we are doing a lot of fun/educational things for musicians. The whole program as well also went to Paris when we first got here. I wish we would have had more time to do what we wanted and not follow everything everyone did because I felt I missed a lot about Paris I would have liked to see. But the trip was still great.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is just common sense like when you are at home. Don't walk in dark alleys, stay in well-lit areas. Don't drink to much and have to walk home yourself or get into trouble. I didn't have any health issues, but I know if I did I would have been helped greatly.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

We all had to take French here since we are in France. Not a lot of people here speak english, but most germans, spanish, dutch, and italian people do. I talk french everyday. A lot with my host family and just in general in the city with buying food, shopping, asking quesetions etc.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Traveling
• learning a new language where they actually speak it
• culture experience

• assistance in student problems together