Greatest semester ever! Past Review
By David P (Physical and Social Science of Health, Pomona College) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/05/2012 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I learned a lot of french, learned a lot about a culture I had no idea about, and I learned about how to integrate myself when I don't know anyone/anything/am not even familiar with the language. It was a challenge that has truly helped me shape who I am today. Additionally, it allowed me to see the roots of modern civilization (Europe) and take advantage of traveling opportunities, which were fantastic. LOVED the program, SO worthwhile!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University Paris IV-La 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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Loved the IES Abroad Staff!! They were very supportive and incredibly enthusiastic. Great management and opportunities in Paris! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family (just a host mom and a cat) were the best possible pairing I ever could have imagined. We got along extremely well and she made me incredible dinners (in 4 months abroad, she only repeated 2 plates...and those were on my last two nights because I had specially requested them). I was spoiled.. |
| * Food: |
Food was great, just VERY expensive (Paris is an expensive city). |
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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
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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) |
It was a little hard because the food was SO 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? | 100-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can so you can travel!! It's the best time to do so and europe is relatively expensive compared to the US....but it's WELL worth it. Save as much money as you can so you can truly benefit from your time abroad! |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | upper division |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just try to always speak french and make french friends. Most americans abroad hang out with each other and speak english to each other. Not to say you can't hang out with americans, but additionally MAKE the effort to find some european (or wherever it is you are) friends. It will help with the language, A LOT. And don't be afraid to make mistakes, as it's the only way to get better!! If not ask for help!! :) |
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? | n/a...it was great |
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.' |
