Immersed in the French Culture Past Review
By Stephanie O (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/22/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
Central College Abroad: Study Abroad in Paris
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More language skills and learning to be really independent. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None | 
Review Your Program
| * Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. | 
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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? | 
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| * Food: | 
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| * Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture? | 
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| * Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program? | 
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| * Safety: | 
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? | Yes 
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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) | 
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes | 
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes | 
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 | 
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sandwiches during the week to save money. Try to limit how many days you splurge to go out. | 
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 | 
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| 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? | 300 level French class | 
| 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? | When there, try to talk with Parisians as much as you can. You learn a lot more from there than in the class. Class is beneficial of course, but you learn the slang and the everyday talk from people you meet. | 
Other Program Information
| * 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? | 
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? | Cost of everyday items | 
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