Paris: Expensively Life Changing Past Review
By Elizabeth C (French Language and Literature., University of the Pacific) for
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
All my French friends said I know more about Paris than they do. I was able to visit old monuments and countless museums. I leanred why the French are so prideful (because of their rich cultural background). I fell in love with the people and the city and am moving back there to teach English.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching methods were all lecture. I think this worked well because it allowed me to master the language. If there had been lots of discussion I probably would not have talked because I did not quite feel comfortable expressing advanced ideas is French. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration knew all of the students. They helped us plan our courses and were closely involved if we needed any emotional or financial support. They really helped during difficult times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was great. They did not speak English and it forced me to really learn the language. I was able to learn French customs first hand. It was a very valuable experience and I would reccommend it to everyone. |
| * Food: |
I cannot eat dairy and my host family went way out of their way to accomodate my allergy. They also let me eat with them whenever I wanted (not just the 3 meals we were supposed to get) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really liked the trip to Normandie. It was very moving and educational. All the field trips were well organized although they did not provide breakfast and they were very early in the morning! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. Unless you were doing something late at night when you weren't supposed to, I don't think anyone in my program had any problems. |
| 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? | A LOT! I probably spent $500 a month. Paris is a very expensive city. It cost a lot more than I thought. I also maxed out $1000 credit card to travel (although I opened the card with the idea I would max it out so I could travel). I would say bring $3000 to Europe if you can. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just little citizenship things like getting a temporary greencard, going to the doctor. Emergency money if you miss your flight (which can be very expensive!) |
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? | French Literature |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I learned more about the langauge from my host family and French friends. Hearing the langauge in an academic setting everyday helped my listening skills improve greatly. |
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? | Someone who really wants to learn a lot aboout French culture, art, history, architecture. The other classes offered are good, but taking these classes makes the city come alive. You learn the intricaies of Paris and it really is a whole cultural expereince you will out on if you just take politics and all the other classes. Do you work for you major back home and take your time abroad to really delve into the French culture. |
