Yes, Paris is expensive, but you'll quickly learn how to do things cheaply Past Review

By Emma H (Anthropology, French, Tufts University) for

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Spending my junior year abroad was arguably the best decision I ever made, and I wouldn't change a thing. I learned so much, and next to none of it was in the class room. Carpe diem!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Paris VII
The term and year this program took place:	Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	First semester I lived with a "host family," but it was really just an older woman. Second semester I got my own studio apartment. <br /><br /> Living with a host family is a great experience, if only for the language aspect. I lived in a nice neighborhood, very close to the Eiffel Tower. Second semester I was ready to have more of the independence I was used to in college and so got my own studio in the 11th, which was fabulous. I found it online through an agency.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Sweet Briar does a good job, especially in the beginning of organizing events for students to get to know eachother.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

Finances

* 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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Probably around 60 euros, but it varied alot depending on whether or not I was traveling, shopping, etc.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Paris is expensive, and that's just the way it is. You'll quickly learn how to do things cheaply though. If you want to buy your lunch every day from a boulangerie (baguette sandwich and a can of soda), you should expect to pay 4-5 euros. That pretty much goes for other cheap lunch fare, such as crepes, falafel, etc. Bringing your lunch is obviously cheaper, but is oftern inconvenient. As far as going out, all I can say pregame. Buying cocktails is prohibitely expensive, 7-12 euros each outside of happy hours. Pregame, then buy one or two at a bar. Clubs have lots of Erasmus (european answer to study abroad) nights, where foreign kids get in for free with ID. Those and student and ladies nights are the best way to go out cheaply. Otherwise cover charges at clubs are around 10-20 euros depending on the club and the night. The upside to paying a cover is that it always includes one or two free drinks.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?	Living with a host family first semester was hands down the biggest reason my French improved. I was friends with nearly all americans, and we really only spoke English together. Second semester I had my own apartment, and my french really plateaued.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Cinema Ethnographique
Course Department:
Instructor:	P. Dibie
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Such a great course to take while studying abroad. Every class we watched various ethnographic films, and then were usually let out early. The only assignment the whole semester was to make a ten minute documentary film as our finals. A very fun, informative class, with next to no homework - perfect for the abroad student. Plus, Prof. Dibie is super sweeet.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Not at all, all transfers were super easy.