Paris je t'aime! Past Review
By Sydney L (Tourism and Travel Services Management., University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/05/2011 to 05/08/2011 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I gained a ton of confidence and I became more independent. My French improved greatly and it was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
The classes weren't too hard, but they were super interesting and I definitely learned a lot of practical and fun information. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in the apartments, but I wish they were a little bigger and not studios! |
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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: |
I never felt unsafe in Paris, but you do have to pay attention. The program and my apartment locations were in safe and nice neighborhoods. |
| 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) |
The euro was expensive when I studied abroad and living in Paris was very expensive. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use your student card to get discounts everywhere! Shop at the bigger grocery stores because the prices are lower. And try not to go to H&M everyday! |
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? | 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? | Advanced French |
| 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? | Speak the language all the time, even in your head! |
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? | I wish I knew how expensive it was going to be. |
