Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Parisian adventure! Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So much language! I am so happy to have experienced an international internship because I feel that I can do anything in terms of work now that I have experienced work in a totally different culture

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 challenging as courses at Brandeis University. All the classes are held in French so that was definitely a challenge. Some professors are willing to help so it allows you to learn at your own pace. Other professors, though, are insensitive and rude (though they deny it) and make it difficult to ask questions without feeling stupid.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall, very helpful staff. I felt that if there were ever an emergency I could go to the staff and ask for assistance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My "host mother" was SPECTACULAR. She was sweet and kind but never overbearing or intrusive. I could come and go as I pleased (as long as I was respectful of noise at night).

* Food:

I was very pleased with the weekly dinners prepared my host mother although I would have preferred for these meals to be a little more frequent especially since Paris is a very expensive city for an unemployed college students to feed him/herself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were presented with a few opportunities to meet locals but since I became very close with other students on the program, I didn't feel the need to go out and meet people. Outside, on the streets, I felt like a foreigner because I did not have any local friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with health. I got sick a few times from the cold weather but took care of it myself with medicine I brought from home.

* Safety:

I usually felt pretty safe in the city, especially in the 15th where we lived. There was an incident where I was almost pick-pocketed but noticed the person trying to rob me just in time.

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)

VERY DIFFICULT. Paris is an incredibly expensive city especially if you are planning on going out with friends every weekend/traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 euros at least
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan a year ahead of time before you go on the program. Save as much money as you possibly can and speak to your parents about possibly giving you some spending money for basic needs such as food.

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

Classes were all held in French and students were discouraged from speaking English in the BU Center.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 42
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak as much as you can (even if it's to yourself). Become comfortable with the language outside of a classroom.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship
  • Language acquisition
  • Paris!
* What could be improved?
  • Teachers could be more sensitive to students needs
  • Make it easier for students to live in Paris financially (occasional free food!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The stereotypes about Parisians being rude and cold are true but you must take it with a grain of salt. They are not as friendly as Americans and are more reserved. Do not allow yourself to be frustrated by, what you perceive to be, hostility.

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!