Amazing Past Review
By A student (International Affairs And Commerce, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/14/2013 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
This entire experience was amazing. Although I was very homesick, I am so glad I made the leap and came here and stuck it out. I made some amazing friends, had some VERY awesome memories, and I will never forget this experience. This was totally worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
If you like eating bread, cheese and wine all day, every day then this place is perfect. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Understandable that it was not going to be EXACTLY like home healthcare, but the availability of the Dr. and having to pay to get reimbursed was a hassle. I ended up not going to the Dr. when needed at all. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
2.5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$150+/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | SAVE and BUDGET! Check the conversion rate! |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 4 |
| 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? | Do not do independent housing. Make friends with locals, not mostly other American students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How to manage my money. I am horrible back at home, and that did not translate well here. |
