Incredible! Past Review
By Nadia (Pomona College) - abroad from 01/12/2016 to 04/30/2016 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I learned how to live in a big city away from everyone I've grown up with, my friends from university, my family; I was completely independent and learned how to navigate a huge city, and discovered so much about myself. It was the most worthwhile experience and I strongly encourage everyone to go abroad somewhere!
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
The IES staff was very helpful in getting me a doctor, and supportive when I got strep throat; however the guy Seth in charge of student affairs sent me to a private doctor that charged 100 euros!! I later found out that any doctor (for 20-30 euros) could have helped me just as easily. I was pretty upset about this, as I have to carefully watch what I spend; besides this though, the care from the doctor himself was great. |
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Estimating about 100 euros a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shop and cook! Eating out at cafes / restaurants is very expensive in Paris |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French literature |
| 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? | Challenge yourself to speak it with everyone in the program, and everyone you meet! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How cold it would be!!!!!!! I was freezing for 3 months out of 4 !! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
