A great experience but little interaction with French students. Past Review
By Alexis L (Global Studies and French Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/20/2012 with
CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies
I have learned a lot more about Parisian and French culture. If I could do it over again, I would not choose to come to Paris but another city in France.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the classes I was in although all of them, aside from French Grammar and Conversation, were in English which was not beneficial towards my French. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was very nice and extremely helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very upset by my housing assignment. I was in a homestay and the woman I stayed with was never there and she was suppose to have breakfast for me everyday and dinner with me once a week. I only had about four or five dinners with her and she never provided breakfast. Since she was never home, I did not have a chance to practice my French. When I talked to the coordinator of housing she told me that I was independent enough to handle it, which was not the response I wanted. |
| * Food: |
The food in Paris was absolutely delicious, if not a little too expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program center was small and the volunteering program I had signed up for fell through and nothing was done about it. I had a hard time getting to know French students my own age. You are only really around other Americans and it is difficult getting out and meeting French students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger in Paris and I went out at night. One time I had to catch the bus to go to the airport early in the morning and I still did not feel like I was in danger but I also lived in the center of Paris. Overall, stay alert and you shouldn't have to worry. |
| 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) |
It is very expensive living in France unless you have a hostfamily that feeds you all the time. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | If I went out that week over 100, if I stayed in and cooked for myself about 70. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Supermarkets are your best friend along with learning to cook for yourself. |
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 |
When speaking to the staff you were encouraged to use French but I was discouraged from taking French courses which would have helped my French greatly. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Fourth Semester of French |
| 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? | Take French classes don't underestimate yourself or let someone talk you out of taking courses in French even if your French isn't that great it will get better with more practice, so go for it! The professors are all really nice and will help you out if you have questions! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | 0 |
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 the center that I was studying at only had American students |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
