Paris: An educational/cultural experience which must be explored! Past Review
By Breanna M (Marketing., University of Northern Iowa) for
Ecole Superieure De Commerce De Paris: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It opened up my eyes to a number of things! It enhanced my communication skills in that if I can find ways to communicate there I could communicate ANYWHERE! It was a challenge overcoming the stereotype they have of Americans. I gained Parisian experiences that gives me a different outlook on people, food, and the environment which is something that can only be acquired there but I can implement in my future career which sets me apart from others. Enhanced my knowledge of countries and people all around the world, not just France! I gained a new language
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
For the most part my experience with all of the professors was wonderful! The teaching methods they use are so different from that in the United States and I am very happy that I was able to see both methods! I only had problems with one teacher in that I took an English course and he would answer questions people had in French! It was difficult, but when asked the same question he didn't want to repeat in English. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program had implemented many tools that should bring about success, but they gave the ropes to a group of students who lacked in following through with things. They would give us the information and then when asked upon for help didn't necessarily help. There just wasn't very much follow through on the student group's part |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived by myself. I lived in an apartment who was being subleased by a girl who attended the same university I was attending, but she was studying abroad in a different country for the semester as well. It was in a very safe neighborhood near the center of Paris! It was an easy walk to many of the attractions and museums as well as very near to many portals of public transportation. I had to buy sheets, towels, food, and cleaning supplies for my apartment. I soon met my neighbors after moving in and became a nanny for their 4-yr old son, which is where I learned the most of the French I did while being there!! |
| * Food: |
Definitely embrace the culture!! They have such a variety of foods, but the French wine, cheese, and cuisine is definitely a "must try" |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program arranged events, but they were usually poorly organized and one time they were 1 1/2 late for an activity so the group just did it by themselves. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very safe city!! Just know your limits and be safe! Don't try anything silly and don't go out by yourself... |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice the language with literally everyone! You don't have to use the language in everyday interactions but I found I thoroughly enjoyed doing so and improved immensely because of it! Just about everyone COULD speak English, they just PREFER not to. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | One who enjoys the simple satisfactions of life and who will take time to enjoy and appreciate the history and the culture and not try to impose themselves on the people there! |
