Paris; Incredible. Past Review
By Jenna S (Child Development, Psychology, French, Tufts University) for
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I became a French major because of it. It was definitely a highlight of my life.
Personal Information
| 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 Sweet Briar classes were AWESOME. I took Atelier d'Ecriture with Mme Mallado and Paris a Travers ses Monuments with Mr Peigne. Mme Mallado is literally the best teacher/nicest woman in Paris. She actually made learning grammar something to look forward to. Mr Peigne was also great, and the class that he taught was so interesting; we got to learn about French history and architecture actually at the buildings and sites where things happened. I took one class at Paris IV - La Sorbonne, and it was super easy. Sweet Briar really makes an effort to help you succeed in your Sorbonne classes with tutors. I had one oral presentation, which was unusual; usually American students just have to hand in another paper, but there were only seven students in my recitation section so the American students had to do presentations too. Other than that, there was one "commentaire du texte" and one "dissertation". The professor had us take the "devoir sur table", the final exam, at the end of the semester, but didn't use that grade for the American students' grades. I found that it was really easy to do well, but I learned a lot because I was super interested in everything I was learning and doing. It is also really satisfying to write a 10 page paper in French and get an A on it from a professor at the Sorbonne! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators were very accessible and helpful. Mme Gree is incredible; a little intimidating at first, but so knowledgeable and willing to help. Mme Hervier was so nice and so committed to making my internship experience great. Mme Parnet gave me the best host family, and helped me when I needed to see a doctor. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing situation was actually incredible. I was in the seventh, right off of the 10 metro line, and also very close to the 6 and the 13. I could see the Eiffel Tower on my street. The apartment was amazing, but mostly my host family was wonderful. They are the most good-hearted, well-intentioned people I have ever met. They did everyhting they could to make my life easy and happy, and to help me learn French. They were just amazing. |
| * Food: |
It's Paris. Enough said. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took trips to Strasbourg and Normandy. I traveled a lot as well with friends. There wasn't any compensation really for travel, which was kind of annoying because I know other programs do have that. The social aspect of this program was weird. I made a couple of really close friends, but overall I didn't really get along with a lot of the other students on the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe. Also, I got allergy shots with a very nice anglophone doctor. In addition, I had to go to a clinic, which was a crazy experience, but it was overall easy. Also, medicines and stuff are so much cheaper! |
| 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? | 200 dollars/week. Paris is a very expensive city, but totally worth it. Try not to hold yourself back because of finances. You can get into museums for free if you just smile and pass your Sorbonne ID to the cashier. DON'T TELL THEM YOU'RE AMERICAN, SAY YOU'RE FROM BRITAIN. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Paris is an expensive city, but it's important that you don't hold yourself back because of finances. Save before you go! Try pastries and chocolates and cheeses, and travel all the time. |
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? | Lower level French literature |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family who spoke to me only in French. In addition, all of my classes were in French, and we were not allowed to speak anything but French when we were at Sweet Briar. |
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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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? | Take walks all the time. Take in the city, appreciate everything. Don't take anything for granted. |
