I'll always have Paris Past Review

By (French Literature and Translation, Barnard College) for

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My favorite thing was speaking French, and so in that sense, it was very worthwhile. I would love to go back and spend more time abroad.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Université de Paris I; Université de Paris IV
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.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel throughout Europe was much more expensive than I thought it was going to be.

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? Upper division French courses (major requirements)
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We only spoke English among each other (the other American students on the program). Otherwise, we spoke French with Reid Hall administration, professors, and host families.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students