Hard work but a good time. Past Review
By A student (Politics, Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/04/2012 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I gained an entirely new perspective on my own history and world events, as well as people and politics. It was a very worthwhile challenge.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Paris IV Sorbonne |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were of average rigor and intensity, however it seemed that grades were used to control student behavior more than to evaluate them. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
Though the cuisine was great and my host mother was a wonderful cook, when I did go out to eat, it was nearly impossible to feed myself on the budget that was suggested to me. I also didn't have a say in when I ate at my host family's house, and the days chosen ended up conflicting with my studies and work. |
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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? |
The healthcare provided to me was state healthcare, and was amazingly affordable without insurance - the international insurance only lowered the cost. It was very easy to get a prescription for the severe virus I contracted, and I felt well cared for. |
| * Safety: |
I was aware of the threats of living in a big city, but for the most part, I never felt wholly unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Finding a job wasn't the most difficult part - it was getting a bank account. The process takes several weeks to months, apparently, which is why many programs begin the account opening process prior to arrival. I never managed to get a bank account, and wasn't paid for my work until I returned home. In the meantime, my parents had to support me, and between the atm fees, bank fees, and exchange rate, it proved very expensive. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | between $100 and $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The cheapest way to have available funds without opening a bank account (if your parents are supporting you) is to use a joint bank account. Money transfers cost way too much. Keep an eye out for international student programs in the area - they often include free or cheap entertainment and events. If you receive a student card for classes at an external university, it may get you discounts at various places in that location. Check with the local government for student aid - it's difficult to look up, and you have to apply early, but there are often programs through which students can receive housing and living expenses stipends, that generally aren't advertised by study abroad programs. |
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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 conversation |
| 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? | Get to know the people who run little convenience shops. In big cities, many are foreign or first generation, and sympathetic to linguistic mistakes. Don't be afraid to ask them to speak slowly, and be open to talking about your program and being American - locals are often very interested in American students. And these little shops are everywhere, so if you make a big mistake and get embarrassed, just don't go to that one anymore. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How expensive it would be, student aid programs, and how to open a bank account. |
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! |
