nothing can quite measure up to living in paris for a year. Past Review
By A student (women's studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/31/2016 to 05/07/2017 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
i learned a lot about myself. i know it sounds cliche but it takes so much bravery to go abroad for a year, and i got to make the most out of my sejour in paris, as well as explore the rest of europe. i feel like i really was able to get to know paris as a city, and by the time my program end date rolled around, it felt like i was leaving my home.
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. |
the program is fully immersive in the french educational system and experience, with all classes taught in french and most at french universities surrounded by other students. you must be comfortable taking classes only in french, but i picked it up very fast, and i believe it improved my listening comprehension exponentially in the long run. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
this program is perfect for students who want very involved program administrators who take a hands on approach to welcoming you into a foreign country and supporting you throughout your stay. this requires a lot of face to face time with the program administrators weekly, so make sure you are not someone who would require and experience granting you more independence. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
living with a host family is the perfect way to feel fully immersed into french culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
i think this program is a terrific program for some students, and many of the americans in my program group loved every minute of their experience. the program was personally not a great fit for me, because i am someone who values independence and it's a very hands on, involved program. |
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) |
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| 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? | book travel months in advance - ticket prices shoot up as you get closer to your travel dates. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | speak it with your fellow students! you'll be tempted to speak english. it's fun and helpful to speak the language of the country in which you're staying. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 much money you spend when you're abroad |
