Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in Paris was Everything I Expected...And More! Past Review

By (HISTORY., Harvard University) for

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. My trip was great, and was one of the best experiences of my life.

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.

The program was great! I had two terrific professors who were interested in teaching us and were engaging. I feel like I learned a ton, while there was still time to explore the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were definitely exceeded! They had a great sense of who we were and what we wanted out of the program, and were definitely a great resource for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great host family and lived in a terrific area, very close to the classroom building and the center of Paris.

* Food:

Be prepared to spend. Paris is not cheap, but there are so many different food options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were organized outings in the city, wine-tastings, culinary classes, weekend trips outside Paris...terrific!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Overall, Paris is very safe, but you do need to be smart when out at night or in certain neighborhoods.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300/week. Paris is very expensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use ATMs to take out money - you will get a better exchange rate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third year college leve.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We spoke only French in class, and tried to speak French with each other outside of class, but often spoke English. All the students went to school in the US, so all spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely do it! If you're thinking about studying abroad, go! It will change your life.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Third-Year Conversation
Course Department: French H3131.
Instructor: Cecile Balavoine
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Good class for improving french conversation skills.
Credit Transfer Issues: -
Course Name/Rating:

Paris in Context: Urban and Cultural History
Course Department: French Studies H3994. Section 1
Instructor: Catherine Healey
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This was one of my favorite classes of all time. Professor Healey is fantastic, and everyone loved this class. Incredibly interesting and engaging material.
Credit Transfer Issues: -
Course Name/Rating:

Paris in Context: Urban and Cultural History
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