Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

important, wonderful experience Past Review

By (Sociology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/07/2013 with

University of Minnesota: Language & Culture in Southern France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language skills and a lifelong friendship with my host family.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Program is very careful to monitor host family s ituations/ensure a good experience.

* Food:

Bread and cheese and bread and cheese.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

French students are difficult to befriend.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easy to go to the doctor, great experience.

* Safety:

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)

Europe is expensive. Travel costs were big, but how much you want to travel is up to you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125 euro, not including travel

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French literature courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The on-site supervision/advising (staff)
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Didn't get much information from the program before arriving, for example about any sort of orientation. Knowing more before I left would have been nice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes at the French University are not that scary. You'll get through.

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!