Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Two Sides of Paris: Enchantment and Disillusion Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/02/2013 to 07/19/2013 with

CIEE: Paris - Summer Contemporary Music Creation + Critique

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a first-hand experience of all the customs and nuances that are found in Paris. It is definitely worthwhile to be able to interact with the locals and to experience the fast-paced lives they live, and to also see the darker side of the country where many live in poverty in one of the richest and historical cities in the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My experience with my host was wonderful. I had the opportunity to experience daily Parisian life and to interact with a native speaker in her normal setting.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a very good job of integrating us with the culture. They took us on numerous outings and even had us participate in mandatory conversation exchanges at a local cafe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any first-hand experience with medical care but many of my peers were able to receive adequate and timely healthcare.

* 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)

Paris is a very expensive city. It was difficult to budget everything, and I required assistance on numerous occasions from my parents.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE. Save your money like crazy before this trip. You won't be sorry. It is very expensive in Paris, and the fact that the dollar is weaker than the euro will only add to this.

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? FR356 18th Century French Novels
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? Watch videos and listen to music, read books out-loud and watch movies in French without subtitles or with French subtitles if you are unable to practice daily with another French speaker.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The language and culture
  • The food
  • The weekend trips
* What could be improved?
  • The schedule
  • The preparation time
  • The organization of the weekend trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive it was going to be. I knew that I would be spending a lot of money, but I think I was unprepared for the high prices in Paris.

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 Linguist
You 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!