Past Review

By (Math, Providence College) for

Hamilton College: Paris - JYA France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was by far the best year so far of my college experience. I learned so much about myself and really developed as a person. I am much more independent and open to learning and trying new things. I really couldn't think of a better life experience and I think that all students should spend time studying abroad.

Personal Information

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

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The full time assistant director who has done the program for many years was excellent and was very good for giving good advice. The director from the US who was a first time director was unorganized and it was sometimes difficult to navigate the french educational system.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with an older woman who had 6 grown children and grandchildren nearby. <br /><br /> I had a great housing situation with a great apartment and I was very close with my "host mom".

* Food:

It was a great experience to eat dinner with my french "host mom" every night. It significantly added to my level of immersion.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a lot of opportunities to experience the culture in different social situations.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Our directors were great at helping us get health care when needed.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Money goes quickly, but it is possible to do lunches/ dinners cheaper if you buy food at the grocery store rather than at restaurants. Picnics are always a good, cheap meal.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was the most amazing experience of my life. At first I was afraid that it would be too difficult to be abroad for a year, and I was really nervous. In the end, I can see that it was the best decision of my life to stay for the whole year and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could.