Life in Paris Past Review
By A student (French Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/10/2015 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
Overall, I learned more about French language and culture in Paris than I ever could have in the United States. For that reason alone, studying abroad was worthwhile. But there are also many other reasons study abroad was an amazing experience, such as the personal growth, the new friends, the opportunity to travel, and so much more.
Personal Information
| 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. |
I was very satisfied with my educational experience with APA. Their courses were both interesting and challenging and their academic support was helpful and thorough. The courses offered at the French universities were also interesting, but they were generally a bit disorganized. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I cannot praise the people at APA enough. The three administrators are some of the most welcoming, enthusiastic, helpful, and wonderful people I have ever met. They care deeply about every student's personal and academic needs and they do everything in their power to make study abroad an incredible experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I decided to live with a host family, and I am extremely glad that I did. They were absolutely wonderful and I honestly felt like I was a part of their family. I plan on staying in contact with them for a long time. I also felt that living with a host family allowed me to experience an important aspect of French culture since I was able to see how the French live their day to day lives. |
| * Food: |
The food in France is incredible. Although I was surprised at how much fast food I ate, mainly because it is very cheap and open longer than most restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Once a student is comfortable speaking French, it is very easy to integrate into Parisian life. It does take some adjusting in the beginning though. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have much experience with health care, but my program was very thorough in explaining how health care and our insurance would work in France and where to go for medical help. |
| * Safety: |
Paris is about as safe as any large American city. It is a good idea to exercise caution and common sense, but it is mostly safe. |
| 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) |
Paris is a very expensive city. When I first arrived, I was spending close to $100 on food and other expenses every week. After a while, I was able to cut that down to a little over $50 a week. I honestly did not anticipate having to spend that much money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 to $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you first arrive, I highly recommend looking around your neighborhood for the cheapest restaurants and grocery stores. I eventually found places where I could get inexpensive food, but it would have been very helpful if I found those places earlier on. |
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 |
At APA, you sign a language contract to speak only French when you are with the program. They also encourage you to speak exclusively French when you are not with the program. However, you may of course communicate with your friends and family back home in English too. |
| 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? | Prior to departure, I was in two French literature electives conducted entirely in French. |
| 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? | I highly recommend getting involved in a French club or association. Speaking as much French as possible is the best way to practice and French clubs provide an excellent environment to do so! |
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? | 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? | APA and Brandeis' Study Abroad Office did such a good job that there was very little I wasn't prepared for. The only thing I wish I had better known was how expensive Paris is. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
