Hollins Abroad Paris Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Hollins University) for

Hollins University: Paris - Hollins in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spending time abroad will change your outlook on life as you get to experience and understand other cultures. I knew I wanted to live and work abroad in the future, and this experience has motivated me career-wise.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Marie-Ange and Joelle were easily accessible and willing to help with anything you ask- and they're always very friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay was in a very safe area, though it was very far away from any attractions, restaurants, shopping, and school. I lived with an older French woman and she and I did not get along well - most of our communication involved her raising her voice at me because she misunderstood or had forgotten what I had told her (ex: could not remember what date I was returning from a trip and got mad at me because she remembered the wrong date). I also came home one morning to find a partially clothed couple asleep in my bed with no prior warning.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips on the program were nice, but I personally prefer to explore new places in my own rather than in a group setting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Even walking by myself at night, I never felt unsafe while I was studying abroad. I got sick a few times while in Paris, and only a day or two after getting medicine from a Pharmacie I would feel much better. I did get an infection and Joelle scheduled an appointment for me with a doctor, got a prescription, and felt better in no time.

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

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As soon as you are accepted into the Paris abroad program, meet with someone to go over everything you will need for your visa appointment with the French Consulate. On the consulate's website, there are several different places that list what you need to bring with you, and each list is different. Ensure that you have all the appropriate materials before you go in order to avoid major problems in the future. Other than that, be prepared to have the time of your life!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

France Contemporaine

Course Department:
Instructor: Marc Germanangue
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Would have been an excellent course, however the professor had an incredibly negative attitude toward the students which made the course very unpleasant. Had a different professor been teaching, it would have been my favorite class on the program.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

France/Africa

Course Department:
Instructor: Boniface
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Really interesting & fun class- professor is very friendly & always energetic and upbeat.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Written/Oral French

Course Department: 303-304
Instructor: Valerie
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Valerie is a great instructor and knows how to teach a foreign language effectively. The worksheets she gives for homework can seem like a bit much, but they really do help you learn the material.
Credit Transfer Issues: