Pipe Dreams in Paris Past Review
By Sujin S (English/Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/13/2011 to 05/31/2012 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
It was worthwhile. I can't easily describe everything I gained and learned while abroad. But rest assured it was very worthwhile
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Université Paris X - Nanterre APA Paris Programme |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was difficult to take classes in French and the obvious language barrier made the courses that much more difficult. Even so, the classes were varied and intellectually engaging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Lovely directors! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing locations were quite good and any problems I had with host families, the programme gladly helped |
| * Food: |
It's Paris. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Didn't do so well in terms of making and keeping French friends but by the end of the year, I easily interacted with any and all with whom I became acquainted. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Please pay attention to pickpockets, especially in the metros. Do not go into the metro crowds with your bag unchecked or pockets filled with valuables. |
| 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) |
Very difficult. Keeping a budget is hard when everything around is so ripe for the buying |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
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 |
It was incessant but necessary. By the end your language skills become very advanced. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A level 100 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? | Just insist on speaking it whenever you can, as often as you can. Talk to yourself even. It helps. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | How to better budget myself |
