Paris is Paris! Past Review
By Melissa C (English, Columbia University) for
Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. My French is really improved, and I truly enjoyed getting to experience a different culture for a few months. One thing my studying abroad really highlighted for me is how important it is to travel and visit other cultures. I know I want to return to Paris again soon!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was challenging taking my classes in French, but the academics in my Reid Hall courses were not as rigorous as those I was used to in the US. However, the Paris VII course was difficult, and required a good amount of work. Ultimately though, I think it was a really nice balance for the difficulty of the classes, and I learned a lot! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My location was amazing and my host mother was really nice and we got along very well. However, my living quarters were a bit dirty and the building was very old, which wasn't totally pleasant. On the whole though, I was really happy with my placement. |
| * Food: |
You can find great french food for not a lot of money, and almost everything you'll eat in Paris is delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We did a couple of fun program trips outside Paris, which were interesting, but I really liked the ones that they set up for us in Paris itself - wine tasting, cooking classes, going to the theatre. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You have to be smart in Paris, it's a cosmopolitan city like anywhere else, so you can't be oblivious to your surroudings and expect to be fine. However, the schools were all in nice neighborhoods, and as long as you're smart about your safety, everything is completely fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced my French with my host mother and in class. While I mostly continued to speak English with my friends, my French improved exponentionally with my using it in my homestay. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Paris is very expensive, so you'll probably end up spending more money than you plan, but if you're ok with that, the experience is worth every penny. The culture, the food, and the beauty of the city are guaranteed to please, and as long as you make an effort to use your French, you're going to see yourself improve immensely. And don't worry about being homesick, everyone is! The adjustment takes time, but again, it's worth it. |
