Paris- A Bustling City Past Review
By A student (Elementary Education, Santa Clara University) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/20/2012 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I learned about myself, particularly my perseverance. I gained self-confidence, improved language skill and skills needed to live in a big city.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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. |
IES Paris has great classes. The French program has classes all in French which is a bit of a challenge. Because of this though, the workload is likely less than at your home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES staff is very nice but seems to be most focused on academics and less and getting you accustomed and making sure you are culturally and socially adjusting. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in an apartment three metro stops away from the IES center. The apartments weren't of the highest quality, a bit dorm like, but you have your own apartment with a single bedroom, kitchenette and bath. |
| * Food: |
French food is delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It definitely took adjustment to live in Paris but contrary to popular belief, Parisians will help you if you are polite and persistent with speaking to them in French. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Pharmacies are everywhere and you explain your symptoms and will receive proper medicine. For serious issues or injuries, IES staff are very helpful and accommodating. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt very unsafe in Paris. I always had my wits about me and tried to blend in. I also stayed with friends as much as I could but when walking alone, felt generally safe. |
| 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) |
Paris is an expensive city and you do have to be aware of the conversion rate. 1 euro is not 1 dollar. But I managed to eat cheaply by cooking my own meals and buying cheap pastries and sandwiches. I also saved by only traveling outside Paris three times. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Know where you want to travel ahead of time and remember you have to declare items you purchased abroad when you return to the U.S. so keep receipts! |
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 1 |
| 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? | Always speak the language, even with fellow students! The more you practice, the better you'll get! |
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 that having an Internship would really limit my opportunity to travel on the weekends. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
