Paris is a way of life Past Review
By Danica B (Marketing And International Business, Villanova University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
It teaches you how to look at the world from an entirely new perspective. I really recommend it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were engaging and interesting but not very challenging outside of the classroom which was nice. You felt as though you were learning a lot, yet weren't missing out on exploring Paris due to an overload of homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
So helpful and nice. Everyone speaks impeccable e |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the 8eme arrondissement which is the dead pin point center of the city. I couldn't have asked for a better location. Everything important was 15 minutes away from my house. My host parents were great and though I struggled with the language barrier at times - for the most part we had a good relationship and they were very nice and helpful |
| * Food: |
Paris food is delicious! Simple and healthy though a little pricy if you go to the more touristy spots. Find the good deals at smaller local cafes and don't be afraid to try new things like beef tartar, fois gras, and escargot. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definitely knew my way around Paris by the end of my trip and could interact with the locals effectively. However if your goal is to make Parisian friend you will have to find ways to branch outside of the program. There are many ways to do this if that is what you want out of the program and the program coordinators are happy to help you. People in my program joined lacrosse league, took classes at local universities, etc. It can be done, you just have to put in the effort. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health problems but my friend who did utilized the doctor recommend by the program and were taken care of very well. |
| * Safety: |
Paris is a big city - like New York. If you're smart you will be fine. Take cabs and walk with a friend late at night. Pay attention to your surroundings and don't leave your belonging unattended. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Paris is expensive and the euro is not your friend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | unknown |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be smart and eat as many meals as you can at home. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
You are only required to take one class in French. You will not become fluent at this program. Which is okay if you're looking for an introductory level and chance to live in Paris then this is a good experience for you. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced French |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | You will not become fluent with this program but you will become a lot better and more confident in your French skills. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Luxury Brand Management |
| Course Department: | Marketing |
| Instructor: | Robert Orlorenshaw |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Professor Orlorenshaw makes every class interesting and engaging and has a way of making the information you learn stick in your head so it is impossible to forget. If marketing is a subject of interest for you I would highly recommend it. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No transfer issues. |
