Three months in the City of Lights Past Review
By Carlee H (International Relations and Affairs., Hollins University) for
Hollins University: Paris - Hollins in Paris
Yes it was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to be more independent and live in a big city. My experience also helped me realize how much I appreciate my life back at home, too. I enjoyed learning about a different culture and country but don't feel like I was pushed too far out of my comfort zone.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was not overwhelming, grading system was very fair. I was worried at first about my grades because the French grading system is typically much more strict than the American system but the professors were very understanding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I would have liked the program to be more organized and to have been more helpful. They were knowledgeable but often did not go out of their way to provide any extra help when needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very safe neighborhood. Room was cozy but sometimes chilly and the bed was not very comfortable. I bought a pillow, but there was already one provided that I did not like. I was generally treated more as a boarder than a part of the family, but the family was very kind. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was very accommodating of dietary restrictions. Quality of food was great but I heard from some of the other girls that they were not satisfied with the food (i.e. it was not filling or of good quality). Do some research in a travel guide or online and you are sure to find some great restaurants! I suggest sushi. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program had three excursions, to Normandy, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. I would have preferred more excursions and maybe less touring in Paris during orientation. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris was a very safe city. While I experienced a few strange situations late at night in the metro, I never felt threatened by my surroundings. I did not have an experience with healthcare, but I am glad I did not have to because I got the impression that it would have been complicated to figure out the insurance payments, etc. Pharmacies were very prevalent for any medication that was needed but the pharmacists were not necessarily helpful and I still had to know exactly what to ask for. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | An independent student who is willing to go out on his/her own to interact with locals and is not looking for a vigorous academic program. |
