Paris was great Past Review

By (Human Biology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/03/2012 to 07/21/2012 with

CIEE: Paris - Summer Contemporary Music Creation + Critique

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
very worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were ambitious for the allotted 3 weeks, but worthwhile. I think they need to be adjusted for the very short time span.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were nice and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment hotels were great and very convenient for the metro.

* Food:

Food was good, although the lunches grew tiresome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt well integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat at your house

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 semesters
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • living in Paris
* What could be improved?
  • too rigorous for 3 week classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? save lots of money