Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Paris! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 05/10/2017 with

Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe that my French speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills were significantly improved while in Paris. My university classes were very challenging but

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses taken directly enrolled in French University were very challenging, however when seeking out support from APA it was possible to succeed to some degree. The in-house program courses were excellent. They were equally challenging but instructions and expectations were very clear.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people running the program were very helpful and knowledgeable about the French university system. At times regardless of their efforts problems arose causing frustration, though they were willing to help when possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a very kind host family who happily welcomed me into their home and worked to include me into their family. I felt very comfortable in my abroad home.

* Food:

French food is amazing though painfully expensive. Going out to eat is fun but not always an economic option.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At times it was difficult to engage with local culture due to amount of time dedicated to school work, cultural activities planned by the program, and individual travel plans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was helpful in setting up doctors appointments for minor medical problems.

* Safety:

I felt safe in Paris almost always, especially after being settled into my neighborhood and learning to navigate the metro. Ubers are always available and a good option if someone needed to make it home alone late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really loved the people that I met on my abroad program and loved having the opportunity to explore Paris with them. I made wonderful friends and our program allowed us to experience enjoyable French cultural excursions throughout the semester.

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)

Paris is very expensive. You are able to learn to budget and make due but it is not always easy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-160 euros a week.

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

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 110
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Language emersion
  • other abroad students
  • art
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew how to budget from the beginning as Paris is an incredibly expensive city.

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 Linguist
You 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!