A Texan Girl's Summer in Paris! Tres amusante! Past Review
By Kaitlyn C (Photojournalism., The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
yes
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had a great time! At first I was extremely nervous to live in a homestay, but it ended up working out for the best. I had a few breakdowns and got homesick, but I kept in contact with friends and family while finding myself abroad. I believe I became more independent from the experience |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very interesting, and I ended up enjoying it. My only problem was when we were at school we were not allowed to speak ANY English. I had a problem with this at the beginning, and fell asleep at times in class, but I learned to get over the issue. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
By luck, I lived in the nicest arrondissement in Paris, and had a wonderful host mother! I had my own access to the flat, and the complex was double coded- very safe. My host mother provided me with sheets, towels, and a maid came once a week to clean my room. She fed me 3 times a week and she allowed me to have guests over. She was extremely kind, laid back, and hospitable to me. Throughout my stay there, I had 2 different roommates- a girl from Venezuela and a girl from Sweden. I rarely saw both of them, but they were both nice girls and we had dinner all together from time to time. |
| * Food: |
Once you learn the French lingo for food, it's easier to know what you like and what you don't. Experiment and try all different types of food! If all else fails, hit up the Mono Prix and buy some canned/ non-perishable foods. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had the best weekend excursions! I went to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Monaco, Nice, Villefranche, and Nancy. I also spent my 21st birthday in Paris and 4th of July! I had a lot of fun!! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | no |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I never took French in highschool |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke French everyday with my host mother, friends, and the IES faculty and staff at all times. I rarely spoke English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | anyone who likes to party and learn |
