I fell in love with the City of Love Past Review

By (Management Information Ssystems, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a new perception on life and business especially that has actually changed the way i approach every day decisions.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned things especially in my Economic history of Europe class that I never would have even thought about otherwise.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You could not ask for better Administrators. Every last one of them helped to make it one of life's best experiences

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Family took me in as one of their own.

* Food:

Food does not get any better. That is the number one thing i miss.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

integration is really up to you for the most part. You feel most like a Parisian when you're just sitting in a cafe with your pastry and enjoying life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never experienced it but there is a big threat of pick pockets and thieves throughout the city so keep track of all things on your person.

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)

I struggled because of the constant desire to eat French food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? +$4000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? figure out optimal spending techniques during your first week, calculate trips you want, and budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? 0
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Home stays make it easy but you can also try to order everything in restaurants in French first and use English as back up since a lot of waiters and waitresses speak some English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Administrators
  • Students
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching
  • Trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget money properly. Paris is an expensive city

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'