Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

France is beautiful Past Review

By (Business Administration - Accounting, Trinity University) for

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My personal goal was to be more familiar with the french culture and spending time in france allowed me to do just that. I met many great people (unfortunately not French people in the mots part).

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.

Teachers are more strict in France, but that doesn't stop them from being friendly.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were definitely met. They offered far more assistance than I ever needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Kebabs. They call it "Greek" food (I'm not sure it is) but it is delicious and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had great field trips to historic sites, and we even had a boat tour around the Seine.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had any issues with healthcare, but the program made sure we all had cellphones (for emergency purposes) and made us aware of the emergency numbers in France. The program even had their own emergency number.

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? I can't say specifically but Paris is certainly not cheap. Even fast food is more expensive there.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Will need to pay about $75 for an unlimited public transportation pass. (Though this is actually a good value)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions, the classes, the students, the teachers.
* What could be improved?
  • Find a way to supply more interactions with natives.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad is an easy way to make friends. Everyone will be trying to meet new people, so if you push yourself even the slightest bit you will be greatly rewarded.