Fantastique! Past Review

By (Sociology., Barnard College) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I learned about myself and the world. It was a great experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: L'invention de l'artiste, Paris IV Psychosociologie, Paris VII
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Cite Universitaire, not at a home stay

* Food:

Not sure what is meant by the question. I wasn't served food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* 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
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere from 30-100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Carrefour is more affordable than Monoprix. Demi-baguettes are more practical than full baguettes, which go stale before you can finish them.

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? Composition and Conversation
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? Reply to people in French, even when they keep speaking English to you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Helped me grow and mature
  • Learned about other cultures
  • Made lasting friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of the program
  • Organization of application process
  • Support system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? About Navigos and our banks. I don't know why they wouldn't have notified us about either of those.