Past Review

By (Physical Therapy/Therapist., Ithaca College) for

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I gained a greater perspective on life, politics, culture, and the world in general. Through living in a different country, you see how different your life could possibly be. It was a very enlightening experience that allowed me to see different places, cultures, and things.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were interesting, but there was not a lot of variety when it came to choosing courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was not incredibly involved, but if a student had a problem, they were able to go to them for help. However, the administration didn't work in a particularly timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A host family's four bedroom apartment located in the Marais area of Paris, with another student from the same program. The family was a mother, father, and their 17 year-old daughter. We were provided breakfast every morning and dinner multiple times a week. <br /><br /> The location of the homestay was right in the center of Paris, within walking distance of many tourist sights, museums, and activities.

* Food:

The host family made great food, and were also vegetarians, which made finding things to eat much easier. There were many restaurants, bakeries, and shops around the IES center where students could buy lunch or bring their own from home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Students were able to get to know each other easily, and the IES excursions were great for getting to know each other more and also see landmarks around France.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students were able to go to the doctor and access medications easily. I never felt unsafe during my program.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 5 euros a day during the week on lunch, and depending on where I was traveling or what my plans were that week, my other expenses varied.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The monthly metro card that is the best thing to purchase for transportation costs about 60 euros a month, so be aware that about 180 euros will be needed for transportation costs.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

With all of the courses being in French, it was very easy to practice the language, but students were still able to speak English amongst themselves, providing a good balance of language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do everything you possibly can while abroad. The time flies by and in order to see all that Paris has to offer, you have to start exploring from the beginning.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Francophone Paris

Course Department: FP 320
Instructor: Sophie Fesdjian
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very interesting course with a lot of contemporary context in France. Professor was very knowledgeable and opinionated, which made for good class discussions.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History of French Art: 18th and 19th Centuries

Course Department: AH 303
Instructor: Renee Moll
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Included a lot of museum trips, including the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. Challenging for a student not interested in art, but professor was very knowledgeable about the topic.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Topics in Advanced Grammar and Culture III

Course Department: FR 373
Instructor: Michel Berthet
Instruction Language: French
Comments: A required course which was not challenging, but a good course for learning more about France and how it came to be the way it is today. Also helpful with grammar issues.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History of Paris

Course Department: HS 351
Instructor: Claude Rabate
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Long class of lecture, but the professor was VERY knowledgeable about the topic, and field trips around the city were very informational and relevant. However, it was a lot of information to be tested on.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

French Politics in a European Context

Course Department: PO 379
Instructor: Marc Germanangue
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Interesting course with a fair amount of class discussion. A knowledgeable professor, but a little difficult for a student not very interested in politics.
Credit Transfer Issues: