Experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (Urban and Regional Planning, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 05/14/2012 to 06/02/2012 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: Architecture Dialogues in Urban Planning: Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new friendship among my colleagues and great experience for my career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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
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? buy audio tapes months prior to departure, download apps on your phone to help

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • learning about a new culture
  • easy accessibility to food, shopping, historic districts
  • learning the urban planning of Paris
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn the language a bit more and research all the places you would like to visit prior because the time goes by very fast.