Paris: Wow I really can speak French! Past Review
By Katie M (French Education, Indiana University - Bloomington) for
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
Yes! It greatly improved my confidence in my French abilities and was a great cultural experience.
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. |
I really liked that the teachers spoke in French the entire time and spoke quickly. It really helped my language skills and made me feel like we weren't being babied. I also appreciated that they took us on field trips after class and emphasized us getting out and exploring the city instead of staying inside to do hours of homework they assigned. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really liked how the onsite staff planned lots of mini field trips/ outings for after class. They were a great way to see parts of the city we might not have hit on our own explorations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Eat in French restaurants, even though they are more expensive the food is fantastic and its part of the culture! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trip to Giverny was when I really found my close group of friends, 2 hour bus rides aren't all bad. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris is a big city so obviously it has it's safety issues, but we were well educated about the common traps and as long as you are aware I had no issues. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice the language with anyone around me. I needed to use the host country language in everyday interactions because my hostess didn't speak English. However the majority of people in the other parts of the city we went to spoke some English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who is really dedicated to improving their language skills. |
