I miss travelling a new place every weekend Past Review
By Nicole Mazurova (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/08/2016 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
Yes, it was worthwhile. You learn what it means to be an 'other' and learn a lot just by interacting with your new surroundings.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work itself is not too hard. My classes were not that exciting, but not difficult though it is all in French which could be daunting at first. BUT the way the French system is set up is that you will get a ton of work in the last few weeks of the semester. This can be challenging because you simply don't have the same time to devote to your studies when abroad. Add to that very distant relationships between students and professors - class is mostly dry lecture and profs don't stick around for office hours. If you need extra help, it becomes up to you to utilize APA resources. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The US APA branch was a huge help to me - I had problems applying for a visa and all the paperwork was practically filled out for me. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Open and generous people who made me feel at home. APA does a good job of pairing students and families. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a great cook and there are plenty of options for lunch around the APA office. It will get expensive though. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't feel integrated and did more socializing when travelling. APA finds language partners, but I wish they provided more resources and avenues to meet French students. Most of the trips we did just reinforced the American bubble. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got really sick during the program. APA is not really hands-on about finding you a doctor, but the admins were sympathetic and ready to help if need be. The best thing to do is ask your host family and they will point you towards the nearest physician. I was lucky enough to have one in my building and my host sister came down with me. The visit and medicine were not too expensive. |
| * Safety: |
I lived in a very safe neighborhood, I could walk home in the middle of the night and there would be nobody about. Even so, you are in a big city and need a tougher skin in certain situations. As a woman, you will be catcalled/bothered and there were a few unpleasant moments on public transportation. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I think that the French education system was not a good fit for me and the program was a bit hand-holdy. I didn't really step outside of my comfort zone when choosing Paris though and wish I could've experienced another culture. |
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) |
If you go out and travel, money will fly out the window |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 + |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Accept that you will spend a lot of money and save up. There are plenty ways of saving money - travel less, don't eat out as much, etc. but then you miss out on certain experiences |
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 |
You will speak French everyday, but it's hard to speak French with other Americans. It feels unnatural so try to find French people to practice with. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French composition |
| 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? | Meet French people - join an activity, date, etc. to practice French |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | the way the French education system functioned and how much work you get |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
