GO TO PARIS. Past Review
By Courtney N (Economics., Trinity University) for
Central College Abroad: Study Abroad in Paris
Yes. If I had spent this semester at my home institution, I would have been so sheltered. There is so much to learn from someone from another country, and until you are put in the shoes of a "foreigner" you will never understand the outside world.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director, Shelley, was definitely a huge strength from the program. She is fluent in both French and English and knows how to showcase the city in its entirety - the good, the bad, and the ugly. The program size was just right, though it seemed small at first, 10 people turned out to work out fine. I didn't really know what to expect coming into the program, but I learned independence and how to take care of myself. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a foyer - which is a French style dorm, but a little different than an American dorm. Meals were not provided, however, there was a fully equipped kitchen and it was always accessible. The internet situation was not so great, though it forced me to spend less time on my computer. |
| * Food: |
Cook as often as you can, but do allow yourself to go out once in a while. Food in Paris is kind of pricey, so set a budget before hand and stick to it as best as you can! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved our excursions to see castles, and also the opportunities to discover the arts: ballet, opera, museums, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt pretty self in France for the entire 3 1/2 months. However, a couple of my friends had a few mishaps during the semester. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It really depends on what your living situation is. I had to cook every meal for myself, so I spent about 50 dollars per week on food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | French immigration expenses, cell phone expenses |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My roommate, others living in my Foyer. Most people spoke French, and if they did speak English, they encouraged me to speak French and would (for the most part) only speak to me in French. It was a tough love situation. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want someone to hold your hand and really be a tourist in France for 3 1/2 months, this program is not for you! This program will teach you how to be independent, to grow more confident in yourself, and it will also show you how wonderfully diverse the world is. |
