Paris is best seen by walking and listening. Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., Berea College) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 07/31/2012 with
Berea College: Paris - The Wonders of Paris
I learned, most importantly, that I can go alone to a major city and just walk and be by myself. I discovered more about myself in those three weeks than all of my other US based vacations combined. I would recommend it as it was very worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The prep work leading up to departure is quite difficult as it is not based off a book but rather poorly made PowerPoints. This lead to confusion for those unable to take the recommended class due to other obligations. I would strongly recommend either require said class or making the student buy an actual textbook. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The three teachers on the trip were generally speaking quite nice and helpful. Mrs. Boyce was wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotel was in the best location possible. Safe, clean, and kind staff will always win over a traveler, at home or aboard. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food when I was allowed to eat out on my own. However, the food at the hotel (required breakfast and dinner) was awful. The breakfast (5 euros) would have been better had I been able to just go down the street to have pain au chocolat (1 euro) instead. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The key, as Dr. Watkins' stressed, is to not go out in a group. I found I was able to cover the required sites and more by going alone. This allowed me to talk to locals and fellow travelers. I felt comfortable sooner than my roommate because I refused to be surround by my fellow Americans. Being allowed to go out on my own is what allowed that to happen. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got a common cold within the first week. My only issue was my inability to find tissues. |
| * Safety: |
Generally I felt quite safe in Paris. Even when lost I didn't feel threatened. In fact, I found the locals to be quite nice. A man once used his cell phone to help me find my way. |
| 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) |
I was able to stay on my budget. As long as one does not go to Paris expecting a major shopping trip it is possible to go cheaply. |
| * 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? | Enough |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy tickets in a passport fashion (Musee d'Orsay/L'Orangerie). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | I wish I had had the time to commit myself more to the language before going. |
