Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersive French Program highs and lows June 04, 2025

By (French, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2025 to 05/24/2025 with

University of Minnesota: Language & Culture in Southern France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate in a new place; I learned what I like to do for fun when I'm independent.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not impressed with the French college level classes; they felt below my level.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Excellent on-site staff that made the program center feel like home. I could go to them with any issues, concerns, or just to chat.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I could have tried more to step outside of my bubble but at times being fully immersed in French was overwhelming. I did still get to navigate stores and restaurants, meet new people, and became good friends with other international students. It also helped the UMN hires French students to work with us and it was great to bond with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The one time I needed health care, it was difficult to get testing done because of varying open hours of labs but other than thing, things worked out. I was also not a fan of my doctor but I think that was specific to him and not the system.

* Safety:

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

Loved the staff, the space, and the city. I can overlook my disappointment with the academics.

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? I spent around $5000 for travel, $1500 for going out/shopping/fun, and $1500 total on food for the semester. But I had prepared and saved up a lot of money prior to this semester so I could indulge more during my time abroad. I also spent about $300 a month on essentials and toiletries and other needed things but I do that at home too.

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

Being amongst mostly other English-speaking students meant I could get away with not speaking French a lot

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French elective course
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? Go beyond your comfort zone

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • People
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • Being able to see the direct-enroll class options prior to arrival
  • being able to register for sports through UPV before arrival so that the spots don't fill up and we can't participate (I wish I could have played volleyball at UPV because that would have allowed me to meet more locals and use more French, but by the time we arrived in France the registration was full)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could have been less scared to speak French in public

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!