Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris is Paradise! Past Review

By (George Washington University) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to challenge myself intellectually and socially through the classes I chose to pursue through IES (Histories and Legends of Paris, Sociology of France, Politics and Poetry of Gender in France, The Word and the Image, and French in Context). IES provided a wide array of courses to be taken at the IES Center in addition to the courses at Parisian institutions of higher education. My study abroad program motivated and supported me in all of my academic, personal, and professional endeavors. My French language skills improved drastically within the immersion program, my knowledge of new and interesting material increased, and I now have experience with professionals in various domains and careers that will help me after graduation as I search for jobs.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program courses were of adequate rigor for study abroad. They were nearly equivalent to my home institution courses except for the fact that the French system involves less daily homework and emphasizes larger, less frequent assignments.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff and faculty were very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable about all things Paris/France/Europe and the program itself.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in a great homestay right off of the Champs-Elysées in the 8th arrondissement. Incredible location and opportunity.

* Food:

My host family meals were always great and varied.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being in a homestay and within an immersion program, I had innumerable opportunities to participate in the local culture through action and language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare information was addressed during orientation, and there were two available doctors' offices just down the street if anyone needed them.

* Safety:

I found Paris to be incredibly safe, for there are police stations scattered throughout each arrondissement and the streets are well-lit.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

As a participant in IES Abroad's French Studies in Paris Program, I had the best and most valuable experiences as a student, a traveler, a volunteer, and a woman of the world. I had the opportunity to explore Paris, the French Province, and several European countries--such as Belgium, Holland, and Italy--as my location in the heart of Paris provided me with ample modes of transportation within and beyond France. Additionally, the French Studies Center is well located in the Montparnasse area where there is always hustle and bustle with the surrounding businesses, restaurants. and retail. Being thrown into this amazing city and all it has to offer, I had innumerable opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone through local organizations, volunteer opportunities, and field-trips. Additionally, The IES staff and faculty were incredibly welcoming, approachable, and knowledgeable. The relationships I formed with the staff and faculty will endure, for they were instrumental in my success while abroad. I look forward to the day when I can return to Paris and swing by the Center. There is not one thing about my time abroad with IES that I regret--except that I didn't stay the whole year!

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)

Living on a student's budget in Paris is only "easy" if you have serious self-control.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping and pack your lunches to take to the Center for class.

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

As an immersion program, we were constantly encouraged and motivated to speak on French.

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? FREN 4600
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? Watch French films on Netflix--even with subtitles to adjust.

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
  • 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?
  • The emphasis on using French
  • The prime location within Paris
  • The encouragement to engage with locals
* What could be improved?
  • The facilitation of local institution enrollment
  • There should be non-alcoholic options provided at the IES-sponsored dinners for those who do not drink alcohol
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known how quickly the weather was going to change. Had I known, I could have saved so much space on shorts and dresses.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.