Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Independent in Paris Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/08/2013 to 12/19/2013 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned that I'm truly more independent and braver than I thought and I can't wait to go back as soon as I can.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Paris - IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center Photo IES Abroad: Paris - IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center Photo IES Abroad: Paris - IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was extremely welcoming and so helpful during my time abroad. The only thing I wish I'd known was that I was going to be put 40 minutes out of the heart of the city.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In my home stay I felt very integrated but I did find it easier to hang out with the other people (students studying in America) in my program. I wish there had been more ways to get involved with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

The exchange rate made it hard to live on a student's budget, especially without a job. I tried searching for something temporary but nothing came up and I did have my basic needs met but I wish I'd had a little extra!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120 USD so about 87 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save before you go and if you're going to need a job find one prior to arriving.

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

Everyday. All of my classes were in French and it was highly encouraged to speak it in and outside of class with other students.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French Literature (A 300 level course)
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? Live with a host family that doesn't speak English, attened a class at a foreign institution and try to make friends with other students who speak the language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 freedom
  • Classes all in French
  • Our excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More out of the country trips
  • Ability for each student to participate in all excursions. I didn't like how there was a limit.
  • Make sure students know WHERE in the city they will be placed and give them an option to choose.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As my time abroad grew to a close I wish I had known to explore more than I did. Three months seems like a long time but I didn't do everything I wanted to and though it gives me an excuse now to return, I wish I had planned my time out better while I was there.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.