Past Review
By Nadine Z (Global Studies, Providence College) for
CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies
I have learned more about myself, become more independent, and made lifelong friends. There's nothing better than losing yourself in a culture and realizing that along the way you've gained so much more than you'd ever thought possible. It's not even possible to explain in words; it really is an event I believe can only be explained through personally experience. It might seem hard to go off and live in a different country with only a few language skills and a suitcase, but once you get off that plane, look around, breathe in, and calm your nerves you can't get rid of that grin on your face. And you'll never be rid of the person you've become and the experiences that made you that person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Having teachers from France was a great experience. Especially when they understood that teaching French to Americans had its challenges. They explained everything a lot clearer than I had ever had explained to me in my 8 years of French in the US. The workload was a bit lighter but many big projects piled up in the end, making it difficult. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was very well-organized; however, I was upset when I realized two of my classes were not counting towards my French minor. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Being with an older French couple was hard to get used to but overall I believe my language skills have much to thank for my living situation. It was a great experience overall. (15th arrondisment, Rue St. Charles) <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
It was fine except that I wasn't allowed to cook lunch; only dinner. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many organized activities (plays, talent shows, museums, etc..) which I attended whenever possible. They were very cultural and full of information on France in general. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe the whole time. Although I was nervous during the first few weeks everything was fine. I even got sick once, went to the doctors AND pharmacy. I was very proud of myself and how easy it was. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up! You need a lot of money for a semester abroad. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Obviously being in a French speaking country helped a lot. Living with a French family also improved my skills. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go for it! It's an experience you can never have once you graduate. It's something that will bring you to a new level with yourself (mentally and emotionally). It was the best decision of my life. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Grammar |
| Course Department: | FRN 201? |
| Instructor: | Delia |
| Instruction Language: | French |
| Comments: | Excellent teacher! She explained things in a whole new way; I understood grammar much easier than ever before. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | This class won't count for me because I took it at PC already but I believe I will be getting a better grade. |
