Academic Classes Poor, But Experience in France Strong Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my French, so it was worth it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Paris IV, Paris VII
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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • I liked being in France and improving my French; the language classes were helpful.
* What could be improved?
  • The academic classes were mostly dull and disorganized and the tutoring was not useful and often demeaning.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the classes are dull.