IES Abroad Paris - French Studies Fall 2014 Experience Past Review
By Kelsey K (English Writing/French, Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
This was the best of experience of my life so far. I have learned so much not only about France and its culture, but also about myself. I feel that this experience allowed me to grow personally and to truly analyze what I want out of life and where I wish to take my studies.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic atmosphere was tremendous. I loved each one of my professors and was genuinely interested in all of my classes. I think that IES provides unique classes that cover material students may not otherwise have the opportunity to study. It was also interesting to be able to experience how French professors teach and grade, and to be able to compare the similarities and differences between French and American academic systems. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy things you don't absolutely need; save that money for extra travel or other experiences you would rather have instead. |
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 |
I felt that the IES staff really encouraged all students to make the most of their study abroad experience and to try to truly immerse themselves in the French culture. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Don't let other students speaking in English deter you from using the language of your host country. Set a goal of how many hours per day you wish to use the language and hold yourself accountable to make sure you follow through with that goal. |
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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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? | I wish I had known how much it rains in Paris so that I would've packed accordingly. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
