The best experience ever! Past Review
By A student (International Studies, French, University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/02/2014 to 05/15/2014 with
API (Academic Programs International): Paris - Institut Catholique de Paris
I learned that I can push myself outside of my comfort zone and learn so much. Paris is beautiful and I learned a lot about the French culture and how to appreciate it. I learned to be open to people who are not like me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was a good amount. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The API Paris administration were very helpful and made Paris comfortable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family made my time in Paris that much better. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of the semester I felt that I was at home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Once I went to the hospital and it was easier than I thought it would be. |
| * Safety: |
One has to be careful in Paris. I always kept my eyes open. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Since I was in a host family I had a carrefour grocery card that helped a lot but during the week I would spend 30 euros on food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan how much money you want to spend for the week and try not to go over it. Do not spend a lot of money when you first arrive. Wait until a month or so in to by something you like; you will have a clearer head. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took a french 300 class. |
| 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? | Try not to feel afraid to speak in the language. Keep trying. |
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? | That it would all be okay and worth it. |
