Studying Abroad in Paris was an absolutely amazing experience. Past Review
By A student (University of Tampa) - abroad from 05/29/2012 to 06/30/2012 with
API (Academic Programs International): Paris - Institut Catholique de Paris
I learned so much about the language and culture in Paris. It was an amazing experience and was a 100% worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Educational experience was amazing. Classes were 3 hours a day Monday-Friday with additional 3 hour workshops on Tuesday and Thursday. My teacher was the best French teacher I have ever had, very enthusiastic and really wanted us to learn. Extremely helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
On-site API staff was great. Anne-Marie was extremely helpful with everything from academics to culture to transportation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a home stay and the family was very welcoming. I had a room to myself and was free to go in and out as I pleased. |
| * Food: |
The dinners I had with my host family were delicious and I ate with them about 3 times a week. The CROUS tickets that we received through API were for use in specific CROUS cafeterias and restaurants, the food was okay and there were very few choices for vegetarians like myself. Eating in Paris on my own I had no problem finding food however it was VERY expensive and that is where I spent a large portion of my money. |
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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: |
I didn't have any serious safety concerns and felt very safe using the metro and other public transportation. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Food was very pricey and it was easy to spend $200+ a week on lunches and dinners if you wanted something more than a sandwich or crepe. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $250. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 102 |
| 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? | I only took French language class when I was there so that obviously helped me a lot. Go out and do things when you are in Paris. Go to the restaurants, cafes and bars and speak to the workers in French and to the locals in French. The only way for you to get better is to practice with others. |
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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| 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? |
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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 I was going to send per week. |
