Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back to Paris! Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about France, both culturally and linguistically. I also learned a lot about myself and more clearly defined my future career and life goals. In addition, I met some great friends (both French and American) that I will be in touch with for the rest of my life.

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.

The courses were interesting and very diverse. I liked the fact the professors were French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff is fantastic!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose independent housing and lived with French family friends.

* Food:

Any excursions with IES had delicious, 3-course meals. Let's be honest, you're in France. The food is incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor while abroad and was fully reimbursed promptly for the cost of the visit and the medicine.

* Safety:

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)

Paris is an expensive city, but it you can easily spend little money and have a great time. Food is not very expensive and almost all museums, monuments, and city sites are free for students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book SNCF train tickets in advance to get the best prices. If traveling long distances, look for Megabus and other overnight buses -- they're a lot cheaper! France also has a great ride-share program.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? 3000-level course
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? I would highly recommend 1. living with a host family, 2. choosing a program with courses taught in your foreign language, 3. speaking French with other Americans. It can seem silly and intimidating at first, but it's the easiest and most efficient way to improve!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • the on-site staff
  • the opportunity to do an internship
  • courses taught in French
* What could be improved?
  • a longer spring break
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is not much you need to know -- just sign up and go!

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'