A phenomenal experience Past Review
By Vanessa M (International Business, Saint Josephs University) - abroad from 09/08/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
I learned a lot while abroad. I learned all of the cliche things like to step outside of my comfort zone and to be confident because "you know more than you think." Although they are cliche, they are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Review Photos
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. |
Classes were both interesting and fun. Professors were professional, extremely intelligent and personable. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was amazing. A group of kind-hearted individuals who are passionate about their job and will always be there for you! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment located in the 14th. The neighborhood was quiet and safe. The apartment itself was not the nicest but the independence and privacy of the studio living was nice. |
| * Food: |
French food is amazing. Croque madames were my favorite, along with duck and all sorts of crepes. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was difficult to make French friends because everyone in the program was American so I would encourage taking classes through this program at Novencia or another university. However, I still felt integrated because when living in another culture for 5 months you have no choice but to be immersed. You start living like a Parisienne. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have a problem with healthcare, but i know that my friend needed healthcare at one point of the trip and it ran smoothly. |
| * Safety: |
I personally was there during the Paris 2015 attacks, and even after that tragic event, I felt safe. Whether it was military, police or simply my administrators, I felt surrounded by safety and protection. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although the program was small, I was still able to meet a lot of amazing people and amazing professors. The education was great and the staff cares about their students. |
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) |
Paris in general is an expensive city. Also, always being out and about meant I was always eating out. Additionally, everyone wants to travel when they are abroad. It was hard, but manageable. I recommend saving your money before heading abroad! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 80 euros |
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? | 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? | 301 |
| 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? | I listened to a lot of French music and sometimes tried to watch French movies. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had more informations about their partner universities. If I did I would have taken classes at Novancia. |
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. |
