Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An American in Paris- IES Paris French Studies Past Review

By (International Relations, Lehigh University) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 05/01/2015 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a confidence in my own self-sufficiency and a lot of language skills. I also learned how to become more confident in my abilities. Overall, I would consider it worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program staff are attentive and very committed to the program, one of its best aspects. However, I sometimes felt as if the amount of assigned work was disparate to the difficulty of the classes. Oftentimes the amount of work for a relatively easy class would be ridiculous. Resource-wise, I felt as if I was never lacking. I particularly enjoyed the home stay they had set up for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is one of the best parts of this program. The staff and administration is patient, understanding and committed to improving the quality of student life during study abroad. They're constantly coming up with contests, events and resources to make the transition easier for students. You can tell that they genuinely care about their students and like their jobs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Home stays are by nature, awkward. That being said, my home stay was very comfortable. I had a housemate, but my own room. We shared a very large bathroom. I had kitchen access and was given breakfast daily and dinner three times a week. My host mother was very polite and helpful but not particularly outgoing or invested in my experience. The house was large, clean and in a very nice part of the city. I didn't absolutely love living there, but generally I had no complaints.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I learned a lot about French culture, worked for a French company and lived with a French woman, I didn't make very many French friends my own age. Much of the program is internally focused and you spend quite a lot of time in the center with other Americans. This was probably my least favorite aspect of the program.

* 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)

Paris is a very expensive city, even with discounts for movies/museums and cooking most of my own meals. Costs involve food, transportation, night life and activities.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack your lunch as often as you can. It may stink to miss out on a daily sandwich and pastry from the boulangerie, but you'll have more money to spend on more important events and opportunities that way.

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

Generally, all interactions with professors and staff are in French. You're also encouraged to speak minimal English with other students and can participate in a 'defis' to speak only French for a week or more.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I'd completed 8 years of study before going abroad.
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? Try doing the 'defis' and speak only in French! It can be annoying but it really helps you learn to think in French rather than translating from English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Chances to improve my language skills.
  • Great support services.
  • Amazing city.
* What could be improved?
  • Very isolating.
  • Sometimes it was a lot of work.
  • Almost too short of a time to be abroad.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how much fun I was going to have and how successful I would be! I was so worried before leaving and I really didn't need to be.

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!