Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris is an amazing city! Past Review

By (Business Finance and French, Susquehanna University) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 08/03/2012 with

Study Abroad and Internship Programs in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoy traveling and seeing/ experiencing new places. I hope to have more opportunities to travel for an extended period of time like this.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I wish I could have had an internship in my field of interest, finance, instead of in communications

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program director in Paris was great, a lot of fun to explore the city with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a really nice apartment with 2 other girls, and we had 2 full bathrooms and a terrace. Ok location.

* Food:

I bought all my food from markets and stores and it was all really good. Some good ethnic food available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I tried to go out and experience the culture in any free time I had.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have a health issue

* Safety:

I always felt very safe even at night, but I was always aware of my surroundings and did not walk alone at night.

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)

Eating out is pretty expensive, but it was easy to live on delicious bread and cheese for pretty cheap.

* 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? about $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out for every meal is expensive! Can easily find good food that is different at the grocery stores and markets.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

speaking French was not really emphasized

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 460
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? speak to the locals in whatever bits of the language you know, they will appreciate it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • the people I met
  • living in my own apartment in Paris
* What could be improved?
  • details, many things felt last minute,a nd sometimes I felt like I didn't know what was going on
  • needs to be a bit more organized for when things are going to happen
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be more demanding in what I want, because I had an internship in communications when I wanted one in business, and I know I would have gotten more out of the work experience if it was business related.

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!