My study abroad experience in Paris was an extreme culturally enriching experience. Past Review

By (English, University of Maryland - Baltimore County) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. If I could do it a hundred times over again I would. I loved every minute of Paris.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Cours de la Civilisation de la Sorbonne
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I honestly loved my study abroad experienced. The food, the culture, everything! I really didn't mind the french grading system. It seems as though they work students a bit harder than American school systems do. They also expect a lot more from their students. The workload was significantly more than my home university. I had class 5 days a week for up to 4 hours a day. It was a lot to deal with but I think it was ultimately to prepare students for the final exam.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. They really prepared me for living in Paris and were always available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living situation, however I really wish that I could have had the opportunity to live around french students. i lived in a dorm that was entirely American students and I didnt get much of an opportunity to use my french.

* Food:

The food was great. Living in Paris made me a lot healthier and I think the quality and taste was much better than those that I had in america.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursions were a great opportunity. I got to see a lot of France that I otherwise would not have seen.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Luckily I never had an serious health issues or injuries, but those that others had were quickly and appropriately addressed.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Even though I am already fluent in French, the phonetics class that I took helped improve my french greatly, and a few times I was even mistaken for a Parisian. I also learned idioms and helped

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep an open mind. Studying abroad will make you love your home country but also will expand your horizons like you never could imagine.