Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Much more than Midnight in Paris Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 08/31/2019 to 12/20/2019 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A newfound sense of appreciation for people who speak more than one language. In France, it was extremely common for someone to speak more than just french. This experience gave me such a diversified worldview and I am already trying to see when I can go back and visit.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great course options, and an amazing support system to help with the difficult transition to all of my courses being in french.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family in Paris and absolutely loved the time I had there. My host mom was extremely friendly and really encouraged me to speak french, and we were able to get very close.

* Food:

I absolutely loved the food. I tried a lot of new things and became so accustomed to the manner in which French people eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt as if I did a great job integrating myself into the local culture. I interacted with other French students and my host family very regularly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was fortunate enough to not need healthcare while I was abroad, however it worked very well for my friends who needed to access it.

* Safety:

I felt very safe most of the time. In Paris I think that all standard rules apply, such as do not walk home alone late at night, and be cautious when taking public transportation by yourself.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My program was very small so I was able to get really close with the majority of the other students.

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)

I tried to refrain from buying unnecessary things, however I would say that most of my expenses were due to travel.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much money beforehand as you possibly can! However don't worry too much if you deviate from your budget a little bit, studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

We were required to speak french every single day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French civilisation, history, and literature 2600
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? When you arrive, try as hard as you can to speak solely in that language at stores, restaurants, or any other place where you are interacting with a person who predominantly speaks that language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • Flexibility for travel
  • Motivation to speak in french
* What could be improved?
  • Course options at actual Paris universities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult it is to speak in another language at all times. Also, I wish I had prepared more for exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to see.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Atelier d'Ecriture
Course Department: French
Instructor: Mme. Mellado
Instruction Language: French
Comments: It was the best french grammar course I have ever taken, and I have been studying this language since middle school. The way in which the professor explained certain concepts made it so much easier for me to speak and write in french.
Credit Transfer Issues: None so far. However, if you are taking a course in another language make sure you decide ahead of time if you need it to count towards your overall major or your language studies.