Paris + (London) + Beijing = Best back-to-back study of your life Past Review
By Martin F (Economics., Fordham University) for
CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies
Should be mandatory.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In my view, the academic experience was well balanced. At times serious and at times relaxed, but at the end of the day it is what you make of it. There are enough course offerings, between the critical and contemporary studies programs, to allow you to set the pace. You can take numerous classes at the university of Paris (III or VII) or you can take all non-language courses in english. I recommend the middle approach - 1 course at the university and all or most of your classes in French. Note that the center will be filled with Americans and a significant number of Parisians speak english, the more time you are _required_ to speak french each day the easier it is. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Expectations met. Staff was very friendly, always available to help, and had excellent knowledge of the region (and country). Important events were well-executed and both scheduled trips went off without incident. They were highly proficient in dealing with the French method of administration, which can be complicated. I had no particular problems, but from what I saw, those of other students were handled well, particularly where host relocation was concerned. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host family in great French appartment with 3 children (2 living elseware) Avenue de l'opera, a 15-minute walk to the center (15 minute subway to the University) and a 5-minute walk from the Louvre and Seine. Excellent. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Paris, enough said. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Around same level as NYC |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | weak dollar + Paris + weekend travelling = A lot (but well worth it) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Nothing that I can think of, see above. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate II |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke french with my host family, professors, wine-vendors, boulangerie employees & friends. Many people speak english in Paris. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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 live 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? | Travel, learn about wine, and sit on the banks of the Seine |
