Study Abroad in London and Paris Past Review
By Abigail Hellrigel (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/08/2017 to 05/16/2017 with
EF International Language Campuses: Study French in Paris
I learned that it is good to try new things and to embrace being independent. When you are independent you get to experience more things for yourself and not just because others want you to. Taking the time to research and plan allows you to make the most of your trip, whether it is short or long. My study abroad through EF College Study Tours and Eastern Illinois University was definitely worth while and I would like to take another trip abroad some time in the near future. Now that I have an idea of what to expect I believe I would embrace the unknown a little bit more.
Review Photos
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. |
Through a short study abroad trip I learned valuable information pertaining to my future career as a speech-language pathologist. We had the opportunity to tour London's health care system, which was a very in depth presentation. We met with a linguist as well who shared her current research with us. We also were given the chance to meet with a nurse who shared similarities and differences with us about the role of an SLP in the hospital in the UK vs the US. An SLP from London also provided documentation of her research for the students to read over and ask questions about. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
EF tour leaders were fun and engaging. They were extremely knowledgeable about the sites we visited and took the time to get answers to questions they were unsure of. Our trip abroad would not have been the same without the tour guides; they were helpful and accommodating, making sure we were able to experience everything we wanted to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in hotels during both destinations (London and Paris). The hotels were nice and well kept. |
| * Food: |
I was able to try many new types of foods at various locations. I got a taste of the most well known and popular foods at each destination. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip was around 10 days long and therefore there was limited exposure to the local culture. During free time we went out and had more encounters with the community. I definitely experienced a good amount of the local culture but have had more time, we would have been more immersed in the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not experience any need to visit healthcare facilities for personal reasons. We did tour a hospital in London as part of our trip and it appeared very presentable and accessible. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe during the day time and when I was in large groups. I did take precautions such as carrying a thin zip up pouch underneath my shirt to hold my valuable items (e.g., money, passport, credit cards). I did not leave any valuables in hotel rooms, but also did not experience any theft or fear of having items stolen. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my short trip to London and Paris. If I went back I would be able to experience different parts that I did not the first time I went. I would be more knowledgeable about the sites and be able to take a little more in than I probably did the first time. The excitement of being in a new country takes over and you have to be able to step back and take everything in. |
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) |
I spent more than the average student because I knew I wouldn't have the chance to go back for a long time. I saved extra money and family members gave some spending money to me. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around $500 on food, excursions, and sovieniers. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Every paycheck you get, set $50 aside into a separate saving/checking account that is for only your trip. Money will add up quickly when you set aside for a specific reason. Create a budget and find areas where you can cut spending to place that money in your study abroad fund. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I was given a lot of valuable information, I wish I would have put more research into options for excursions and known exactly what I wanted to see while I was abroad. While having a plan is always good, it is exciting to plan as you go too. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
