An unforgettable, amazing experience May 10, 2023

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2023 to 04/29/2023 with

Boston University: Paris - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Paris was an amazing city so full of life and culture and new experiences. I met so many people from all over the world and learned about their languages and culture. I improved my French and gained independence in a new city.

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.

great professors, interesting courses, engaged classmates.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was clean and spacious but I was placed outside of Paris and would have preferred to be in the city for greater access.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I would have appreciated more understanding for when a student was out sick. The program was very strict about attendance which made it difficult when my migraines were not excused.

* Safety:

City overall felt safe as long as you stayed smart about personal items on public transport and traveling later at night in groups.

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)

Food, travel and social outings are expensive in Paris but well worth it.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook for yourself when you can, try to limit how many times you buy coffee outside of the apartment. Create a budget for yourself.

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

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? FREN 110A - Cultural Representations
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? restaurants, coffee shops, bars and going out is the best way to meet new people and practice your french in a low-stakes nonacademic environment!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • the people I met
  • the language and location
  • the culture and energy of the city
* What could be improved?
  • the internship placements
  • housing in the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To seize every opportunity and make the most of every moment.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.