En France, La Belle Vie - The Paris French Studies Program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fair workload that allowed us to enjoy Paris while still learning lots about each of the subjects. The professors for the most part had a lot of experience with the American grading system and therefore understood our expectations. One was more demanding as per cultural differences in expectation but that did not negatively affect us in the end. Lecture-heavy art history class, discussion based grammar class, and a mix in our culture class, as well as a once a week discussion class on the news.

On-site administration of your program

Going with Eva Posfay was tough because she had no interest in spending time with or helping the people on the program. Her logistics were overly strict and there was no way to get to a more human level. Program size is very good and over all the program was well run, mostly because of how long it has been established.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Be thoughtful in your questionnaire for your host family but above all, let your personality shine through, as that allows the families to really get a sense of who they will bond with. A positive host family experience really made my experience and its based on the fact that my host mom could tell just from my form that we would get along well. Everything is provided for, but remember that power and water are MUCH more expensive in France, so be thoughtful and be prepared to be scolded for over-use. The neighborhoods are all very nice and families have been tested extensively. Remember also that this is a big city, so living quarters are much smaller. Pretty much every family is within 20 minutes on the metro to class, and about that to nightlife as well. Again, since I got along so well with my family I was very much an extra family member, but that takes effort on your part to integrate yourself too.

Some families deal better than others with dietary restrictions, but they know that themselves. Very very good food and supplied in plenty large amounts.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cultural money is a god send: spend it!!! The cultural outings are also very useful but should not be the extent of your stay. There is tons of time to go out on your own and see museums and things that should be taken advantage of. Go to the museums that not everyone hits and that's where real experiences come.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The French healthcare system is easy to get to, easily translated to American insurance and doctors and very helpful. The program was less helpful, but at least you have the important part!

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

Mostly based on the fact that there was a home stay, but also the classes did help. While the grammar class was by far the easiest, it was helpful in going over rules and underlining important considerations. The art history class helped a lot because of keeping up with unfamiliar terminology. Its hard to make French friends, so your best bet by far is to spend lots of time with your host family and their friends, and to not speak English with other Americans. Its easy to use it, but hard to get to that extra level.

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Independence
• Setting
• Host Family

• Director
• Relevance of classes (some)