A powerful, unforgettable, amazing experience. Past Review
By A student (Psychology and French, Connecticut College) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/02/2014 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
During my time abroad, I learned to be flexible and adventurous. I gained a sense of adventure and look forward to the possibilities in life. I grew into a more confident person, and I am so happy that I had this opportunity abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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 |
Very good resources and orientation and assistance throughout the semester. However, some of the staff could have been more responsive to individual requests about course registration and other details. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay was very satisfying and rewarding. I formed a great relationship with my 'famille d'accueil,' an older retired couple living on the outskirts of Paris. |
| * Food: |
Very good food. Dinner with my host family was always great. For lunch, it is important to note, however: the IES center itself does not have a cafeteria or cafe. Luckily, there are a number of wonderful bakeries and restaurants within an easy walk of the center. And you can always bring your lunch with you -- that is what many of us did. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While it was difficult to form relationships with young French people, the IES staff helped by hosting excursions into the city and interactions with French people seeking to improve their English. By the end of the semester, I know longer felt like a tourist; I felt like I knew the city -- and that was a wonderful feeling. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare program was explained well during orientation. I had a minor rib injury during the semester, and the staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, giving me the address and information for easily accessible doctors. There were no prevalent health issues in Paris while I was there; no vaccines were needed. Also, the staff is always willing to hand out bandaids for minor scrapes :) |
| * Safety: |
If you are smart and responsible, Paris is a safe city. I had no safety-related incidents. Like any big city, late-night Paris is somewhere you should always be aware of your surroundings. Always have a buddy in bars and at parties. It is a very international and tourist-oriented city. Just be smart, and you'll be fine. |
| 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 somewhat difficult to live on a student budget. I managed fine, but I can imagine that some people might have more of a challenge if they are on a very limited budget. Paris is an expensive city, from food, to entertainment, to shopping, to going out. But, it is definitely manageable - and worth it - if you learn to budget correctly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent approx 60 euros per week on expenses, which is about $80 per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your lunch at home! Grocery shopping for the week and packing a lunch saves a lot of money. Those 5 euro sandwiches can really add up. Take advantage of picnic opportunities. Plus then you'll have extra money for pastries :) Also, drinks at bars are expensive. So buying a bottle of wine for a few euros at the grocery store before going to the bar is a great trick. |
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 |
Being in the French Studies program, all of my classes were in French and all time spent within the IES center was encouraged to be in French. There was even an award at the end of the semester for people who spoke the most french outside of class! |
| 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? | My highest level language course prior to departure was a 400 level. So, a course fully taught in French, studying subjects beyond grammar |
| 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? | Speak with your classmates in French about random things. It might seem strange, but talk to your French-speaking friends outside of class. It helps it become more familiar, rather than just talking in the context of class. |
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? | 0 |
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? | While IES Abroad is an international company, the IES center in Paris is quite small. It's very comfortable and homey,and I grew to love it, but don't be expecting a huge office building or campus-like situation. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
