Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Paris cannot be beat! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/06/2012 to 07/21/2012 with

CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my language skills, and learned how to be a more independent and cultured person.

Review Photos

CIEE: Paris - Critical + Francophone Studies Photo CIEE: Paris - Critical + Francophone Studies Photo CIEE: Paris - Critical + Francophone Studies Photo CIEE: Paris - Critical + Francophone Studies Photo CIEE: Paris - Critical + Francophone Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a great program! The class work definitely requires effort and critical thinking, so you cannot slack off, but in a good way. The program offers engaging courses that keep you interested and excited about the material. You leave France feeling like you learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful and happy to not only offer assistance but get to you know.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at a great little extended-stay hotel where the breakfast was delicious and the living was everything that we needed. It felt very safe. The Wi-Fi was fast. The air conditioning was sufficient

* Food:

We were provided breakfast every morning at the hotel which was delicious. The program provided meal coupons for lunch every day at the Croissanterie. Eventually, we felt a little tired of eating at the same place for lunch every day, but that says nothing about the quality and taste of the food. It was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were not living with a foreign family, but we did feel like we got to become more of a part of the city and get to know the culture better.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to be hospitalized for an allergic reaction, and my home university covered all of my health bills. I was so greatful. The French hospital was a very different experience than an American hospital, but I feel like I got really good care. The CIEE program directors were very helpful afterwards to make sure that I could keep up with my school work, and they accompanied me to follow-up doctor appointments and finding pharmacies.

* Safety:

I felt very safe.

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)

While it is possible to live on a study budget, France is an expensive country overall.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping so you do not have to buy all of your meals. And buy the month-long metro pass so that you do not have to buy metro passes every time that you ride.

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

All of the time in class.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Practice using French when interacting with the citizens.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Freedom
  • Challenging yet interesting courses
  • Helpful program directors
* What could be improved?
  • Better weekend trips
  • More immersion with locals
  • More assistance for beginning language learners (I was the only one)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Uncertain.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.