Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New York to Paris Past Review

By (Business, University of Rochester) - abroad from 09/02/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Leaving home for the Paris BIA program was my first experience of Europe. I was nervous, but I certainly couldn't keep my excitement at bay. I had never taken French a day in my life. Luckily, I had amazing professors who taught me just what I needed to further my exploration. I simply needed is a bit of confidence and courage to put myself out there and speak French whether it was right or wrong. The lesson allowed to travel to Italy and Hollande without the fear of being put down for my language barrier, and it allowed to learned a little French and Dutch as well! Additionally, living in a new city all by myself really taught how to fend for myself. Cooking became joy instead of a chore because why I shouldn't I have some fun in my kitchen. I love exploring a city on my own, going down random streets, finding miscellaneous street art, or meeting a couple of open markets. Moreover, I made wonderful friends and had great time with them on our explorations. Paris certainly changed my life. I see my surroundings differently now. Not only am I more aware of cultural differences, but I now notice that sometimes it doesn't matter where one is from. Everyone is still looking for the same happiness and people still look out for others, even the French!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 EUROS
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save all your money for travel and hostels

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

Very much so

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? none
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? Don't let not knowing a language dissuade you from visiting a country. If they offer to teach you the language, then take it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Learning French
  • the food
  • my classes
* What could be improved?
  • more social clubs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save more money. Start exploring from the beginning and don't wait to the end.

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.