Time of my Life Past Review
By Gwen (Babson College) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 04/30/2016 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
As a student with only a basic knowledge of the French language, I spent four months learning about the French culture, language, and marketing (my major). I came back to the US wanting to go back Paris immediately. I had incredibly intelligent professors, a caring staff to ensure everything went smoothly, and a host family that made Paris home. I also made friends from all over the world! I hope to study abroad again next spring because of the amazing time I had studying with IES in Paris.
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. |
I took multiple courses in marketing, which was perfect for my major. I loved how the classes revolved around businesses in Paris. It was a marketing and cultural lesson combined. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our staff was the friendliest and super welcoming. They made us feel safe in Paris coming to the country right after the tragic November attacks. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family made Paris feel like home. |
| * Food: |
Paris is known for fine dining and it didn't disappoint. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had such a fantastic time abroad in Paris. It's an experience I recommend to everyone, especially with the IES program who made sure that I was safe and at home in a country so far away. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I hope to go back real soon. I highly recommend Paris, especially with IES to any college student. |
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) |
Paris is expensive. I saved up for a long time to go abroad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 350 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to go for the formules at restaurants. They are preset menus (usually three courses) for a much lower price. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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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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? | Pack lighter |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
