Hope you like sandwiches! Past Review
By Cori J (French Language and Literature., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 12/04/2012 with
Brigham Young University: Paris - Paris Study Abroad
The first half of my program (6 weeks) was fantastic. I really liked the city and I was excited to speak the language as much as possible. After that, I think I just mentally checked out and was beyond ready to go home. This experience taught me how much I really do love America and being able to communicate quickly and effectively.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes I took were much easier than I expected. Often I had class 3-4 times a week and usually only one class a day. The workload was very manageable and left plenty of time to go out each day and truly experience the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was great. They provided everything we needed and were more than willing to accommodate our needs. |
| * Food: |
My mother was a fantastic cook. If you're going to Paris, hopefully you like sandwiches. It was a little more difficult finding hot meals, especially during lunch, than I would have liked. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because we mostly hung out in packs, I feel that we didn't really get to experience local culture much, unless you count stopping at a patisserie or a street food vendor (nearly) every day. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There are pharmacies everywhere and the employees were very nice/helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Don't openly use your electronic devices (iPods, iPhones) on the metro, especially if you're sitting/standing by a door. Also make sure you don't leave wallets or anything like that in pockets. Also a good idea to keep a small travel lock on any backpacks. We only had an attempted pickpocket one time during my three month stay, but pickpockets are EVERYWHERE. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
I spent about 6 euro each day on lunch and probably another 10 if I ate out for dinner. We had a full kitchen at our disposal so being able to return home for dinner saved me quite a bit of money. I went to France knowing I was going to spend much more money than I normally do when at home so I really didn't keep track all that much. I just expected to spend the money and I enjoyed doing so. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than 100 euro. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you can/want to, pack a lunch. If you drink soda, buy a pack, keep it at home and bring one if you plan on bringing one with you if you plan on eating out. I drink a lot of coke, but 33 cents for a can of soda is a much better deal and 2 euro!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Our professor tried to encourage us to use the language as much as possible, but unfortunately we rarely took his advice/encouragement to heart. I do wish I had spoken more of the language during my stay. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 202 |
| 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 with others: students, host family members, friends, as much as you can. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that a 6 week program would have been perfect for me. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
