Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging but worth every second Past Review

By (French Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

University of Minnesota: Language & Culture in Southern France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I was more capable than I thought- that I could live in a country that did not speak English and that I could work through a language. I would not have traded my semester abroad for the world.

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

Were not very responsive to emergency line, one person was injured and called the emergency number the program gave us but they did not call her back until the next morning.

* 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

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? 60 on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you travel, try to travel close to where you are studying- it is very expensive to jet set all the time and that way you can see more of the surrounding area as well

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4th level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Find some sort of language exchange group that does not involve your class or teachers so that you can practice without the pressure of grades or embarrassment.

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?
  • Language emphasis
  • Professors
  • Program assistants
* What could be improved?
  • Emergency communication
  • One-on-one communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now have confidence in my abilities, something that I have not had for a long time.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.