Paris: The City of Light (and So Much More!) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was very nice having a smaller workload (and thus more time to travel), grading was harsher than in the US but expected due to the French educational system, Sweet Briar classes were much more enjoyable than Sorbonne ones as they included trips to monuments & museums during class. Classes at Sweet Briar were just made up of American students on my program, and courses at the Sorbonne were a mix of French/European students and I was the only American.

On-site administration of your program

Program administration were always available and more than willing to help with any questions/problems, were extremely friendly and always interested in how your day was going, how things were at your homestay, etc. Usually questions were answered in a timely manner, and encouragement was often given regarding grades received or if students weren't feeling confident in their abilities. The program was just the right size - most of the students got to know each other very well and formed some long-lasting friendships, which was very important to me, as living in a foreign country can sometimes feel lonely & so it's nice to have some people to lean on!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were placed into host families by our program, and I ended up living with a 54 year-old couple and another American student. We were treated as if we were their own children, making us feel completely at home and extremely welcome/loved. I lived in the 20th arrondissement, on the outskirts of the city itself, but it was very convenient to go into town with the metro and only about a 35 minute commute to both of my schools. Close by to Place de la Bastille thus lots of things to do at night. Lots of stores in our neighborhood, good restaurants too. Everything was waiting for us at the apartment when we got there.

AMAZING food - host mom was a great cook, got to try a wide variety of French cuisine, always got more than enough to eat. Restaurants include just about every cultural food you could imagine, there's something for everyone in Parisian restaurants.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of our trips were amazing - great way to make friends & see France! Some events in Paris were a guided tour of the Opera Bastille, going to theatrical performances, guided walks of different neighborhoods in the city.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Paris is a very safe city - no violent crime or assaults, only have to beware of pickpockets. Common sense goes a long way, and our program gave us advice on areas to avoid at night if we're alone. Never had to go see a doctor. No special pre-departure vaccines needed.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

French was required to be spoken in all classes, at the Sweet Briar office/study rooms/library and in our homestay families. Speaking French was a necessity everyday in stores, cafes, museums, etc. Although some French people speak English, most don't like to and thus it is essential for the student to have a good mastery of the language in order to feel comfortable in Paris.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Sweet Briar courses (History of Paris through its Monuments, and Impressionism & Post-Impressionism)
• Program-organized excursions

• nothing!