Paris, Je T'aime Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 09/10/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most rewarding experience I gained from studying abroad was learning about myself; I learned that I am more capable, independent, sociable and adventurous than I once thought myself to be. Because of this, my study abroad experience was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overload of work towards the end of the program, when time should've been spent saying goodbye to the city and friends

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There weren't many opportunities within the program to interact with locals

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Though the program was extremely helpful in making sure I would not be charged, there were a number of issues in clearing my healthcare with a local hospital. In the end, problems were resolved

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? set a weekly spending limit before the program begins

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? Advanced
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? Advanced
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? Befriend the locals

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Courses offered/professors
  • My apartment
  • Integration of French and English
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of coursework
  • Location of studio apartments within the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The general attitude of the French toward their language (they are extremely protective and a bit snobbish in speaking French)

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 Urbanite
A 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.