Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A time of growth Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 09/05/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

Central College Abroad: Study Abroad in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, American & French culture, independence, and how to achieve goals. I also got to co-present a painting to the public at an event called "Nocturne du Louvre"with another student at the Louvre

Review Photos

Central College Abroad: Paris - Multiple Photo Central College Abroad: Paris - Multiple Photo Central College Abroad: Paris - Multiple Photo

Personal Information

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.

It was a great program that provided me with a great opportunity and experience. This program definitely challenges and wants you to break free and make your own path in Paris. They don't do much baby-ing, but the administrators are always there to help. They provided cultural knowledge, and kept in touch weekly, but allowed us to explore and find our own way

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked living with a family. It was a great way to get exposed to a more traditional french, have home-made food, and a sizable bed. However, living with a family doesn't provide the same exposure to young adults as would living in a dorm.

* Food:

Paris has great food, and a wide variety if you know where to look

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I lived with a family and had an internship, I didn't have much time to get involved outside of school

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health problems while abroad, which was quite a nice change.

* Safety:

If you aren't an obvious tourist, you'll be fine. Pretend like you belong.

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)

Paris is an expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? minimally 65 euros per week(every lunch+3 dinners a week and 1/4 of monthly transportation costs)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating at university dining places is a good and cheap option. Other than that, go to stores and make a lunch out of a baguette and whatever else you want

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 250
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get involved in something local, and make it a rule with other Americans to not speak english while there.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Opportunities
  • Program Administration
  • Local involvement
* What could be improved?
  • I could have spoken more french
  • Make a point to get involved with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pros & cons of host family vs dorm and how much time internships take up.

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!