Paris was amazing! Past Review
By A student (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 08/15/2011 to 05/17/2012 with
CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies
I learned and gained way too much to write in a survey. Friends, experiences, understanding, another city to call my own. It was fantastic.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Paris Université III: Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris Université 7: Diderot |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Amazing program. One of the best experiences of my life. The program staff is wonderful and the classes are diverse and interesting. I loved my time in Paris. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Fantastic. The program staff are extremely helpful and I had a wonderful time in large part due to their help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I housed independently and, for me, it was the right option. |
| * Food: |
Food in Paris is fantastic. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like CIEE gave us the opportunity to really dive into Paris and French culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an emergency while there and, although it was a Sunday, the program staff responded when I called and a doctor came in for a house call. I've only heard great things from my peers about their responses to health situations. |
| * Safety: |
Paris is a very safe city. I never felt unsafe. |
| 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) |
Paris is a more expensive city, but I felt I had the opportunity to live comfortably on a student budget along with a part-time job I found through other CIEE students. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately 100-150 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself, utilize the open-air markets, get a job (nannying with Babylangues is definitely one of my favorite memories!), go to Resto Us. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced |
| 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? | Just be open to using it all the time once you get there. I think that's the best...don't prepare too much! You might be practicing things that aren't said. Watch Canal+'s online videos. Bref is hilarious! |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | 10+ |
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? | That CAF gives out a 200 euro allowance to ALL students. If you open a bank account (which you will if you want a phone/to work), you are eligible. DO it! |
