Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was almost everything I hoped for. January 28, 2025

By (Language and Culture, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2024 to 12/21/2024 with

University of Minnesota: Language & Culture in Southern France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The world feels bigger, and I've greatly improved my language skills! Totally worthwhile

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.

I didn't feel like the academic rigor was equal to what it is at Brandeis, which was slightly disappointing (though nice at the same time). I was enrolled in six classes and still didn't have much work at all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very kind and helpful, especially my advisor Paul.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were very nice! I got very lucky and stayed in a large house where I had a large room and a pool where I could spend time in the afternoons.

* Food:

The food was great! I ate with my host family most nights and really enjoyed my host mom's cooking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed the local culture, and certainly integrated with the culture of my host family, but never ended up making friends with native French speakers my age. Even in my direct enroll at the university I felt a bit socially isolated; I am unsure how you would go about making French friends as an American exchange student.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The French pharmacy system was super easy to use and I would recommend. I easily got a prescription twice, when I had a cold.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, except as a pedestrian. Although the city center is pedestrian only, it is still used by motorcycles, electric scooters, bikes, and mopeds. Several times I saw other people nearly be hit by passing vehicles, so I would be very careful. Otherwise, the city is very lively at night and the public transit is very nice and safe. Comparatively, the suburbs did seem less safe to traverse at night, and I had a friend who was verbally harassed on her walk home one night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved Montpellier, and I'm glad I chose to study there than in another part of France like Paris.

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

I think the general level of language in the program was low, most of the people were beginners, which was a little disappointing for me. I didn't speak French with my American peers like I wanted to.

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? 105
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • Location
  • Language integration
  • Food and culture
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Social support system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd had a clearer idea of the kinds of classes I was going to take.

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!