Perfectly Paris Past Review
By Lyn A (Theatre, University of California - Davis) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I learned how independent I truly can be. My French improve greatly. My study skills also improved very much as studying in a completely new language changes your way of thinking.
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. |
Challenging courses, but not too challenging that you can't enjoy your time in Paris. Your language skills will improve greatly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is extremely helpful and always there to answer questions or give advice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing experience was incredible. My host family was so kind and very generous. The WiFi was not always very good in my room but they always allowed me to work in the salon. |
| * Food: |
OMG the food is incredible. Pastries, baguettes, cheese, quiches! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very! I always tried to immerse myself in culture and talk to locals whether at a small café or at a store asking questions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was easily accessible, the insurance was very simple and took care of it, and staff at the center helped take care of everything |
| * Safety: |
I never had problems with safety. It is a big city and things happen, but the center has a whole orientation program to focus on safety and how to be safe in the city |
| 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 depends how you want to live. I had saved up a lot of money from working 3 jobs and I was able to spend a bit more lavishly than others. However, everyone was able to manage |
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 |
All courses in French |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Go and talk to local people and speak to other students only in French. It is very valuable to speak to other students in French because, while you may be nervous or lacking vocabulary, they will help contribute to what you don't know. Together, you know French perfectly. It is great practice and help! |
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? | Homesickness will occur but you just have to keep yourself busy and occupied. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
