Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing. Past Review

By (Geoscience, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 06/14/2015 with

UConn: Paris - UConn in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a lot.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director here was always here when you needed her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Fondation des Etats Unis at the Cité Universitaire. It's an old building, but you get your own room.

* Food:

France has great food but the school did not provide food. you have to buy and cook it on your own.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any experience, but a few friends did and they ended up being fine with the situation.

* Safety:

There are sketchy people here in Paris, just like every city. Overall it is pretty safe and I never feel scared.

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

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I budgeted $800 a month and ran out the last month. Paris is expensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you wanna save money, don't go abroad.

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? 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? High School; French 4 Honors
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? Listen to French radio/podcasts

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

  • 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?
  • Paris
  • Food
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • The trips we go on.
  • It's a very long program
  • Food (Provide it)?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I saved more money for traveling to other places.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.