Truly a life changing experience! Past Review
By Noelle D (University of Redlands) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/19/2018 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
Studying abroad and traveling to different cities abroad Europe introduced me to a number of cultures and the differences among them. Interacting with people from all over the world allowed me to develop new perspectives. I also feel as though I have gained a greater sense of self and what direction I want to take my life. I greatly value the time I have spent abroad and would recommend it to any student who is thinking about it!
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 IES center has some really excellent teachers! |
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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? |
I stayed with a homestay and found it to be a very positive experience. |
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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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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
IES Abroad was truly an excellent program. The course offerings and professors were fantastic, the actives they planned were very worthwhile, and the staff was extremely knowledge and helpful. |
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) |
Paris is definitely a bit more of an expensive city. Be sure to stick to a budget! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to avoid going out to eat super often and instead cook at home! |
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 |
The program was very language-focused and immersive. I believe that is what helped me learn the most 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? | Level 300 french classes |
| 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? | Listen to french music and watch french tv shows! Take any opportunity you can to speak the language. |
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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| 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? | I was told that studying abroad would go by fast, but I had no idea just how fast 4 months could go by! Soak up every moment of it. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
