Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Total French immersion with host family July 08, 2024

By (Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2024 to 05/26/2024 with

University of Minnesota: Language & Culture in Southern France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living with a host family was an incredible experience. I was able to really practice my French comprehension and speaking skills, but I also got to be exposed to true French culture and form long-lasting relationships with my host parents and siblings. The city was youthful and vibrant and gorgeous — already itching to go back!

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.

* 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

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)

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? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Program trips/activities
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The classes were not as academically rigorous as I would have liked. I learned a lot more French from my host family and other everyday interactions than I did from my classes.

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.