Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

great french small town life! Past Review

By (Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 05/11/2017 with

Université de Tours: Direct Enrollment and Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
i am overall much more indépendant and self confident from my experiences abroad. my french has ameliorated greatly simply the necessity of speaking every day. i learned so much from my fellow international erasmus students about life in their home countries and what is important in their own daily lives.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

although there were many trying moments due to insufficient information regarding class enrollment or grades, the progra itself was incredibly rewarding.

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? €50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a weekly grocery amount, or go to the grocery store each day so as to cut down on food waste.

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? 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? 4 years of high school french
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • layed back environment
  • tons of erasmus students
  • great cultural outings
* What could be improved?
  • communication with students
  • better website/email services
  • better communication of deadlines before departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i wish i knew that i would be having that much fun!

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!