Fantastic experience, difficult but so worth it Past Review
By A student (History and French, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2012 to 05/31/2012 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
I learned all about many aspects of French culture--politics, education, gender, food, immigration, general outlook,etc.-- and the differences between America. This experience was incredibly worthwhile I am so so so glad I did it.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Paris X - Nanterre Paris VIII - St. Denis |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was fairly difficult to talk to French university students, and with my own shyness almost impossible. But I enjoyed talking with my host family and do feel like I got a taste of French life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
NA |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe, and miraculously never had anything stolen. Several people on my program had wallets/phones/purses stolen. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I lived with a host family who prepared all my meals, but still Paris is expensive and you want to enjoy it. I say, spend the money, it's worth it. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euros or so |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Nope |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Everything had to be in French. Which was great! I left very fluent! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | above 100 level french course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Watch French movies! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | NA |
