Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Program logistics need review, but great otherwise Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of Connecticut) - abroad from 09/02/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

UConn: Paris - UConn in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It wasn't worth the money. I did enjoy the grammar classes which advanced my language skills. But overall I expected more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lots and lots of problems and miscommunications.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While it was nice that we all lived in the same building, the building itself was horribly old. There was a shared kitchen per floor which had one refrigerator (food was often stolen) who's door had difficulty staying closed. Also the power was often off making the use of stoves or microwaves difficult. Furthermore, the bathrooms (also shared) were awful. The water in the showers was ALWAYS cold and the showers were covered in black mold. The toilets were also generally covered in human waste especially when the housekeeping staff was off duty. Housing needs serious reorganizing. The only benefit was the location which was close to major attractions, classes, and the airport.

* Food:

NA as food was not provided in the cost of the trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very easily as I have lived in France before and my French was decent at the start.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA, I had no health problems while abroad

* Safety:

Very easy and safe metro system just be smart and go out in groups.

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)

Very easily

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week I spend about 25 Euros on food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make shopping lists and/or weekly menus when going grocery shopping, it prevents you from over-buying and buying items that may not be used. When traveling, book everything ahead of time to get the best deals.

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

The encouragement was there, but the problem with having all American students of varying degrees of French skills living in the American House of the Cite Universitaire was that we virtually never spoke French at home

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP French in high school + study abroad
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? Do not live at the American House at the Cite Universitaire

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Courses
  • Living in Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Program fee distribution
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Course dates How much money to budget for (so knowing what exactly was included in the dorm and what I would be responsible for purchasing on arrival)

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:

Grammar/Phonetics
Course Department: French
Instructor: Madame Lyon
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was very well instructed! The pace and depth of grammar study were both appropriate and just challenging enough to provide the fundamentals of French grammar. The only draw back was the very wide level of French competency between students, irrespective of the placement test given prior to the start of the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Art History
Course Department: French
Instructor: Valerie Saugera
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Course was interesting and exposed students to the culture of French fine arts. Also the professor allowed students to utilize the architecture, museums, and historic building within the city of Paris as an academic tool. Homework and assessments were appropriate as well.
Credit Transfer Issues: