Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Don't regret but wish I could have done things a little difefrently. Past Review

By (Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

University of Angers: Angers - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I do not travel well and can't really be alone in unfamiliar places. I also learned that I can't be too far from my family or the ones I love (I was very homesick)

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.

The courses themselves were not very difficult. There was not much homework and the professors were very understanding about the fact that I was an international student. I did have some trouble with the language (obviously) and the speed that the professors spoke compared to my note taking speed. Overall the education was a great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was not very pleased with most of the administration. They were not always readily available and I believe when dealing with international students there should be more availability. The secretary for the international student office was very nice but others were very difficult to get a hold of and when I needed to speak English or ask questions I did not feel very understood or well helped, especially when things were urgent. This would be the thing I would like most to improve about this program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt the housing was modern and a little lonely at times having a room all to myself. I did like having a communal kitchen and being housed with French and international students. However, I wish the common areas had been more comfortable and inviting. And the secretary of housing was often difficult to work with.

* Food:

French food is wonderful. Need I say more?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't always feel welcome. However, I was very comfortable in my international classes because we were all in the same boat and those professors were very welcoming. Also I am sort of shy so it was difficult for me to integrate myself and be social.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an experience with the healthcare but I heard from others that it was really good.

* Safety:

I always felt safe during the day but at night I was not comfortable going anywhere alone. That's just good living in a city advice.

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)

I left with a decent amount of money and was able to easily support myself. But I think it is necessary to save as much as possible and have a fairly strict (not necessarily small) budget.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do spend too much on clothes and heavy items. Whatever you buy there has to fit into your suitcase. And don't spend too much on going out. Drinks are expensive.

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

It was direct enrollment so it was like a full immersion. To get by I had to speak French. I spoke it all of them time even with friends I made that spoke English.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 400
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 a lot of music, watch movies and TV and practice with others if you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • I liked the complete immersion into the classes but also the support from a set of international classes.
* What could be improved?
  • The contact with the administration.
  • Being prepared for the living situation. If you are not outgoing, adventurous or are shy, it can be very lonely.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known exactly what my living situation could be. If I had known I would essentially be living by myself I would maybe have tried to live with a host family if at all possible.

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!