Study Abroad will be one of the best experiences of your life Past Review
By Cabs (Political Science, Global Studies, Providence College) for
CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies
I have no regrets. I am a better person for going, and I feel that those who did not go abroad missed a vital growing experience in their lives.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The French language classes, and the other classes taught in French, improved my French skills greatly. Taking several classes in a foreign language, as well as having to use the language outside the classroom, increased my proficiency at a remarkable speed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No problems whatsoever |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a 30-year old Parisian man, whose mother owned the apartment. We each had our own room. She came once a week to cook a meal for me. I interacted with my roommate often, and he taught me a lot about Parisian life. The only negatives were that I did not have internet or TV in the apartment, and most people had families that they lived with who treated them like another child. I enjoyed the independence that I had compared to the others, but at the same time wished I had more interaction with my host family. 6th arrondisement, Rue de l'Abbe Gregoire <br /><br /> My apartment was in the center of Paris, walking distance from all main areas of Paris. I was a 30 minute walk from school, or a 20 minute metro ride/walk. The metro system was excellent, could be anywhere in the city rather quickly. The biggest park in paris, le Jardin de Luxembourg, was 5 minutes from my house, and I could go running there. Everything I needed was very accessible. |
| * Food: |
Parisian food was excellent, and the meals my host lady made me were amazing. It is difficult to cook the majority of your meals for yourself, however. MAny people were fed by their host families every night, while others got the minimum one meal per week. It's just the luck of the draw. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did a lot of traveling while I was there to other European countries, and went to several soccer games. There are always cultural events going on in the big cities that are unforgettable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was overall very safe. There were a few incidents of girls being harassed, and one or two pick-pockets. But in general, we walked around the city at all hours of day and night and there were few problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | cell phones are pretty expensive. They cost 50 dollars, and they are pay-as-you-go. The minutes are expensive. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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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? | IF you go, do not take the opportunity for granted. It will be one of the best experiences of your life, and make sure you take advantage of it. |
