Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris : Broadening My Perspective on the World Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/08/2012 to 04/28/2012 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
DEFINITELY worth while. I learned a lot about French and American culture and ways in which they clash. I learned how to travel on my own and be independent. I learned what it's like to be the 'foreigner' and what it really takes to become fluent in a language. I gained a larger perspective on the world. There's so much more that I can't even express...

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.

Not as much work as at Valpo, but still intense

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no problems

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

wonderful

* Food:

amazing, of course- it's french

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt much more integrated during the internship portion. During classes it was very hard to make french friends and impossible to be fully immersed because all my classes were with americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

I always felt safe. Just be smart about where you walk at night and how you hold yourself.

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)

Paris is very expensive but you can be smart about how you spend

* 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? Maybe about $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food as much as possible instead of going out. Look for free cultural things to do in the city. Don't buy drinks at bars.

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

5

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? 306
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? Take advantage of opportunities to speak with natives, even if you feel stupid. You can find a language buddy on totalingua.com

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • BU was great about providing a lot of cultural opportunities - outings, etc.
  • I learned so much from my French grammar teacher, Elisabeth!
  • The opportunity to work in a French organization. My french improved most during this time and it's a great way to connect with the people and the culture.
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to meet french people during coursework period
  • The orientation week could be more compact and facilitate community better among students. Cliques formed right away.
  • I didn't like having all my finals in one day without even getting a 'reading day'. I also didn't like how the program ended the day after our final soutenance. It was too abrupt and it was hard to enjoy our last moments together in Paris.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Can't think of anything. I felt as prepared as I could have been.