Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Getting to know Paris Past Review

By (French Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2015 to 07/11/2015 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My speaking ability definitely improved, I got to know the city very well, and I learned much more about French culture than I ever did in a French class.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I feel they could have done some things better, like sending us the orientation schedule in advance rather than just the evening before, but overall everything seemed fine to me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any health care while I was abroad. IES did provide a list of English-speaking doctors with their addresses and hours.

* Safety:

You'll be safe in Paris as long as you stay aware of your surroundings.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 for food, $50 for other expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Paris in the summer has a lot of free or low-cost events.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third-level university course
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 be self-conscious about it, the other students aren't any better than you and the French people don't mind.

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
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?
  • There was a lot of free time to explore on your own.
  • The course was taught entirely in French.
* What could be improved?
  • I wonder if the program could be for a full two months, instead of a month and a half.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's extremely difficult to make meaningful friendships in just six weeks. That fact was never relevant to my life before.

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!