So much French that I started thinking in French Past Review
By Gabrielle H (international relations and french, Simmons College) for
Boston University: Paris - Internship Program
I learned a lot about myself, my friends and my family. I understand a lot more about Europe and France. I am proud of myself for having lived by myself. I learned another language, I learned how to cook, I met amazing people and am so thankful.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Maybe it was the different structure of teaching that the French use, but I feel like i absorbed a lot more information in my classes in Paris than usual. I learned so much and almost all of it has stayed with me. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I feel that they really had our best interests at heart and most of my expectations were met. The planning and organization of the last 2 weeks of the program was a little ridiculous. In the last 3 days we were finising up our internship, preparing for our orale expose and trying to enjoy the end of the stay in Paris, which was extremely overwhelming. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved my host family. I was extremely lucky to have a great host mother, a great roomate from the program and an amazing location. She was very warm and welcoming and I learned a lot from her. |
| * Food: |
The food in Paris is amazing, there is no doubt. The prices are extremely high and for students who are trying to save money I would suggest to grocery shop as much as possible, find a local boulangerie for your sandwiches and rarely eat at a restaurant. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Paris is an amazing city with numerous attractions. There is always something to do and somewhere to go and it is impossible to be bored there. The shopping, the museums, and the nightlife are memorable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I lived in a very good area, but there were a lot of places in Paris that are dangerous. I live in a city so I'm used to being cautious of my surroundings and I rarely went out without friends but Paris is definately a large city with crime so you have to keep yourself safe. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I prefered to spend my money on entertainment and social aspects and experiences, so I spent barely any money on food and shopping and saved the rest for what I truely wanted to do. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used French everyday and even when I was out and people tried to speak English to me I would reply in French. I learned the most French in my internship where I was surrounded by only French all day, to the point where I started thinking in French. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is the best decision for anyone to make it will benefit you in ways you don't realize. You must keep an open mind and take all the good with the bad and look at it as an experience that you gain from. |
