Paris: A Lovely City Full of Poetry and Creativity Past Review
By Alycia K (International/Global Studies., Fordham University) for
CUPA: Paris - Study Abroad in Paris
Yes! It has broadened my cultural horizons and helped me realize that I want to work in International Affairs.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Paris IV-La Sorbonne, Paris VIII |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The French University system allows students to be much more independent than the American system, so the student must take initiative and be willing to take on more responsibility for his/her education than he or she would be at Fordham. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: Allows students to determine their level of involvement; offers optional tutoring; offers cultural events; entire staff is welcoming and friendly. My expectations were met and I really had no problems with the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a wonderful family and felt like a member. The only thing I would advise other students is to be prepared to live according to family schedule, not a student schedule (they're usually very different!!) |
| * Food: |
I'm a vegan and my family always bought and prepared appropriate food for me. It was awesome! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I saw ten shows in Paris, including theater, opera and dance. They were all fantastic! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris is generally very safe, and the medical system is well-developed and comprehensive. Common sense is all that is necessary! |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around 20 euros per week; 10 on food and 10 on entertainment. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be careful, the euro is more expensive then the dollar (at the moment). Going out in Paris is expensive, so plan for that! |
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? | FREN 3465 (Women on the Margins) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My host family and other French students; yes I used the language every day; many people spoke English but if I started speaking French to them they would always speak it with me. |
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? | If you want to work hard and learn French, do CUPA. If you want to speak English and party all the time, look elsewhere. |
