Perfect look into Parisian Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was not bad at all. We did have some homework assignments through out the week, but we were able to get them done quickly before we went out to explore Paris. Teaching methods were a little different than in the US. All classes were in French, even if you had never taken French before, but this was not a problem for many students. We had two additional lectures per week (outside our grammer/speaking lecture), one on phonetics and the other on writing. They were both nice additions to the program.

On-site administration of your program

The ICP was very organized. Our Faculty-leader did most of the administrative work for us. If we needed to change classes, this was very easy to do and was done quickly. Program size was about 20 American students, most from Mason and a few from other universities in the N.VA area.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was previously arranged through CGE and was at the Foyer International des Etudiants. Not the best living situation, but definitely NOT the worst. I have stayed in much worse conditions and this was fine for the month. Was in the center of Paris, within walking distance from most tourist sites as well as the ICP, so location outweighed any negative aspects of the FIE. Very safe. Bring or buy your own cookware. Kitchen consists of a hot plate, but my roommate and I were able to cook full meals for four for the entire month.

Parisian food is AMAZING. Definitely go to the Maurais where you can get some great sandwiches from local Jewish delis. The patisseries (which are located all over Paris) have the best desserts ever. There is an American-like diner close to the FIE which is great if you are craving some good American food. Across the street from that is a great area that has a lot of Moroccan, Indian, Chinese restaurants if you want something different.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being in Paris during Bastille Day was an incredible experience. A group of us went to the Eiffel Tower to experience the festivities and I would highly recommend this. Definitely go to the Louvre numerous times (I went 4 times) because it is so big. The Musee D'Orsay is a must as well as Versailles. The weekend trip to Normandy was wonderful and a great escape from the busy Parisian life.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Paris is a very safe city-just be smart about your actions as you would in any other big city.

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

We could practice language with our professor, with students on our program, and with other students living in the dorm with us. I used French everyday outside of class-cultural excursions, shopping, going to the cinema, etc. However, many people in Paris do speak English and once they hear your American accent, will start speaking in English. So those that do not have as much French experience, this is a great program, too.

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• Americans
• International Students