Unforgettable memories Past Review
By Paulina Z (Marketing, Babson College) - abroad from 09/09/2015 to 12/18/2015 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
This program exceeded my expectations, not only did I get to learn more about myself, but also got a new perspective on how I view the world
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
High academic level offered, but not as intense as classes taken in home university. Many different courses, which offered flexibility in choosing. The classes were an opportunity for us to learn more about France as they were all tailored to provide us with unique insights about the Parisian lifestyle. I was a little worried about the course credits not transferring properly, but the IES staff was very helpful in explaining how this worked in order to avoid such issues. As for my housing situation, I can only speak for staying with a homestay as that was the option I went for. I had a wonderful experience, and truly recommend doing this when studying abroad. IES did such a great job matching students to host families that everyone felt very comfortable with their living situation. Overall a very well organized program, offering a unique way of experiencing Paris, and something I will never forget! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I spent my last semester studying abroad in Paris. I had an amazing time and so I'm extremely grateful with the IES Paris BIA program coordinators and staff for making this such an unforgettable experience! From day 1 of orientation to the last day of classes, the IES Paris BIA staff was always very friendly and welcoming, they would always go out of their way to make sure were happy and never passed an opportunity to share with us special events occurring around the city so that we could go and explore them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
As for my housing situation, I can only speak for staying with a homestay as that was the option I went for. I had a wonderful experience, and truly recommend doing this when studying abroad. IES did such a great job matching students to host families that everyone felt very comfortable with their living situation. |
| * Food: |
Delicious and typical dishes were always offered at events |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated in terms of cultural understanding and my interactions with my homestay family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have an experience with healthcare, but know that it was easily accessible to students |
| * Safety: |
I was present during the November attacks and despite the tragedy the IES program staff took the necessary precautions to keep us all safe by cancelling classes on specific days, and providing counselling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
4 - I think it's possible to live on a low budget, you just need to plan in advance and ask around for cheapest places |
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 |
5 - even if my level wasn't as advanced as others, we were asked to always communicate in french |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | 2 years of high school |
| 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? | Homestay families and IES staff! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | To not be scared about trying something new, everyone abroad will help you get adjusted and make you feel like you are home |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
