Fall 2022 February 02, 2023
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2022 to 12/18/2022 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
I got to understand myself in a way that just was not possible in the US. Being an ocean away from my family and all of my friends made me get to know myself, and how to be and exist in a completely different context with completely different people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Challenging but rewarding opportunities in an immersive French language environment |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This was a program that included a lot of cultural opportunities and support from the staff members. At times, the organization of the program was slightly chaotic, however it was a great program overall and I would go on it again. |
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of as many free/ included meals as you can (either from your host family or at your foyer) |
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 |
It was required to speak French at all times at the program's office, save for emergencies |
| 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? | FREN 162b |
| 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? | Make connections with your host family/ the people you live in the foyer with. Try to do the same with people in your classes, however myself and the other people I knew in the program found this a bit difficult |
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? | That there is so much more to studying abroad than taking classes and to do as many things while abroad as you can that you wouldn't be able to do at home |
