Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

J'aime Paris! Past Review

By (French and German studies, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/19/2013 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Listening comprehension and speaking skills vastly improved and since I'm a history geek, it was hard to choose what to see/visit first.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

I did move homestays after the first month, but once I did move, my new host and hostess were phenomenal!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? 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)

1.5 -Paris is very expensive, so take advantage of the university cafeterias located around the city, they're cheap and you get a lot to eat.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere from from $150-200 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the university cafeterias, crepes are a cheaper, filling way to get a meal, but other than that, save your money, you will need it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? FR 401
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? Speak it, read it and listen to it every chance you get.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • History of the city
  • Staff was very helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Some homestays are not that great; I had to move from my first one
  • Some of the trips, they tried to fit in too much in too short a period of time.
  • Heating in the classrooms was nearly non-existent.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I believe I was pretty well-prepared.

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 Linguist
You 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!