Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Winter Experience Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/01/2017 to 01/21/2017 with

AIFS: Paris - Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself, and the class taught me a lot of history and architectural terms and movements.

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.

The classes were long and challenging but so informational and interesting. Basically an educating walking tour of Paris.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were so kind setting up cultural experiences and helped me a lot when I had to see a doctor twice abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My only real compliant was the food. It was clean, and quiet.

* Food:

Hit or miss. Some food was good but most of it was "meh". The way the program was set up for including food did help me save a lot of money though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIFS did a great job setting up activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was very easily accessible. AIFS advisors made the appointment, and helped very much while I filed insurance claims. I prefer the healthcare I receive at home by far, but the healthcare in France was adequate. I didn't need vaccines.

* Safety:

Pickpocketing was the major issue. Especially at places like the Sacre Coeur.

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

I would choose AIFS again, and the J-Term, just in a different country.

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)

The way food was included made it affordable. Breakfast was included and there was a very reasonable mealcard program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be aware that water does cost in France unless you specifically ask for tap water (and I wouldn't do that).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Freedom to do what we wanted
  • The class
  • Helpfulness of staff
* What could be improved?
  • Food at the FIAP
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought warmer clothes

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!