Not Quite What You'd Expect Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

No matter how many times you hear it, the french educational system is going to be a shock if you're coming from a small school. I took 2 classes with SBC (both were very good, be sure to take Atelier d'Ecriture, no matter how good or bad you feel about your french skills, it's a joy. The Art History lectures in The Louvre are pretty darn cool as well) and 3 courses at Paris 4 (a school belonging to the Sorbonne). I took two philosophy classes and one literature course. All classes are in French, and you are placed amongst the french students and have the same expectations placed upon you. My literature course was in English, but was masters level (most kids also only take 4 courses, so this was my "fun" one). Essentially, it all feels very uneasy until all of a sudden it feels hard. The french system allows for two grades most semesters, and these will be written papers and/or oral presentations. Mind that this is always completely in french. Sometimes assignments aren't due until the last day of school, so most of the semester is spent feeling like there really isn't that much work to do. Also, be forewarned that the Sorbonne classes are exclusively, from what I've heard, lecture based. There is one giant class which is an hour and a half lecture, then a smaller section which claims to be more interactive for each class. It isn't really more interactive. Professors do not make themselves very available, and there was no discussion or debate in either of my philosophy classes. Which was something of a shame.

On-site administration of your program

Very engaged, knew everyone by name and remembered what was going on with each individual student. It's great that you can hang out in the SBC office (where classes take place as well). Sometimes it felt as though communication was lacking, which I do not place completely on the language differences (they speak only french to you and insist that you speak only french at all times that you are in the office). Very attentive group of ladies, it's a solid community.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed with a host family (the program does these placements) right in the center of Paris, right near a major metro station with a great view of a huge historical landmark. It's lively and just great. I had my own room and complete freedom, and ate dinner with my host family each night (save one or two per week). Very nice.

My host family cooks really well. Also, french food is great. If you don't like bread, butter, cheese, potatoes and pastries, this place isn't for you (although in all seriousness, it's a huge city and you can find whatever you want).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Parisians are impossible to meet. Or at least you have to make very pointed and repeated attempts (excluding, of course, the flirtations men...). That said, towards the end of the semester I became close with other non-american and non-french students at the Sorbonne, which was really lovely.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I'm sure it would have been fine, but it's n/a

Not once did I feel unsafe here. Even walking back in the middle of the night alone, I felt fine. Although I'm sure different neighborhoods have different vibes.

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

I tend to take out 80 euros per week, and that's about right. But I also ate lunch out (something small from a boulangerie) most days.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They didn't only encourage, they insisted.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• outings
• sense of community
• freedom

• organization
• interaction with locals

The Academic or Linguist