Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful :) Past Review

By (French and International Affairs, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 09/01/2011 to 05/26/2012 with

University of Angers: Angers - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I studied in Angers, France for 9 months, and I can say without any hesitation that it was by far the best year of my life so far. I would recommend my program, because it not only helped me experience living in a different culture but also I met so many wonderful people from all over the world and learned more about life and who I am as an individual than in my past 4 years of high school. If you are looking to broaden your horizons and get a better perspective on life. Study Abroad!!

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.

I found it difficult at first that all my classes were in French, but also very helpful with improving my French after a time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Though the room was small, it was very homey. I also liked that I had my own bathroom and a kitchen down the hall.

* Food:

I had fun experimenting with different types of French cuisine and also trying to make them in the dorms.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Difficult at first, but after a while I did really feel at home there. I know I'll go back someday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was ok. I mean the University Health centre was decent but it was difficult dealing with doctors in town.

* Safety:

I found Angers very safe.

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 would do groceries twice a week with just $100 and was fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? usually less 100 USD unless I planned on traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep to the essentials. You can get a lot for your buck it you just budget and figure out what you need like what types of food to incorporate into your diet each week while also putting aside a little for having fun during the weekends. Its not as difficult as it sounds.

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

There were a decent number of anglophones but I was forced to speak French everyday.

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? I plan on taking early 400 levels next semester.
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? What movies in French and just keep speaking it, even if you don't feel extremely confident with it at first.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People I met.
* What could be improved?
  • Better student Advisor communication.
  • More phonetic courses.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be as hesitant at first with speaking French.. You just have jump into it whole heartedly.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.