Take me back to Paris Past Review
By Alexandra K (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I learned a lot, mostly about myself. I would love to go back to Paris for an extended time but have found this to be very difficult.
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. |
My professor was incredible, partly because he adapted his teaching methods based on the needs of the students. The grading system didn't seem much different. Part of the work load in a study abroad program is just trying to mingle in a foreign country, which proved to be very effective. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was very impressed with my program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
American students had individual apartments in a complex with mainly French students and professionals. |
| * Food: |
To future students: I hope you are excited for 2 euro nutella crepes. There is also a falafel stand in Marais that is delicious and inexpensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Fete de la Musique- most memorable events were unrelated to my program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Obviously the most important safety tip is to always travel with friends at night and always appear to have confidence (don't look vulnerable). |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I didn't like the program's choice of field trips, which were included in the cost of tuition. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | The first two semesters of French |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
English was used very rarely so I practiced my French with everyone around- my professor, my classmates, and people I had met. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to be embarrassed and approach things with an open mind. Scope out things you want to do because it goes so fast. |
