Paris: The Jewel of the World Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Berea College) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/30/2012 with

Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent. I thought I couldn't explore a huge foreign city by myself, but with map in hand and some knowledge of French (and prayer for safety), I knew I could conquer this place.

Review Photos

Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris Photo Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris Photo Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris Photo Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

I tried to blend in, but Parisians can pick out tourists and travelers really well...

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is better to explore a foreign country through the back door, so you don't really need all aspects of your trip to be fancy. Do what they do. The average Parisian, for example, doesn't go to expensive hotels or eat at expensive restaurants all the time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Exploring freely with or without other students!!!
  • Seeing different sites
  • Learning more about a culture
* What could be improved?
  • We could have learned a little bit more about Paris' geography before we went
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get out of your box by exploring everything! It won't bite! It'll be worthwhile