An unforgettable experience. Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/11/2016 to 05/24/2016 with

University of Northern Iowa: Paris & Rennes - UNI Capstone in France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am so great full for my experience abroad and I would definitely recommend this program to future students

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? No

Not that I didn't love France and the program, but if I had to do it again I may have chose another Capstone just by looking at other people's experiences.

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)

Nothing the University could do, Paris in general is a pricy place to be.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I am unsure since I did a lot of shopping, but food there was definitely expensive.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Students should definitely consider taking a French class before going. Would be useful for everyday things!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 I was with and instructor
  • Experiencing the culture hands on through host families
  • Meeting other host parents and spending days with them
* What could be improved?
  • More local experiences
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More of the language