Seeing past the postcard Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As I said before, the courses here were not as difficult as in the US. At the beginning of the semester, I was upset that I wasn't being challenged in my classes. But I soon realized that this was actually a blessing, because it allowed me to spend time interacting with people, exploring Paris, and having more hands-on experiences. It is through these interactions and experiences that I learned the most about French language, culture, and life.

On-site administration of your program

IFE, the organisation which led our program in France, was great. They were extremely welcoming and helpful, and made our transition very easy. I really felt that they were there for us. For example, I was sick and had to spend a day in the hospital. The IFE team was in constant contact with me, came to the hospital, and helped me arrange doctors appointments after I was released.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While I loved the people who lived at the foyer (young workers and students), the building itself was less than stellar. The wifi rarely worked, which was frustrating and posed a problem for homework. The rooms and hall bathroom were... minimal. Bedding was provided, but I had to buy cookware, etc. There is a dining hall, but we are only given 10 meals a month and it's closed on weekends. The neighborhood was sketchy at night. However, the neighborhood was cheap, close to public transportation, not too far from my internship, and close to a lot of bars and restaurants. And as I said before, the people at the foyer were great. So while I wish the physical foyer had been nicer, I don't really regret living there.

I was vegetarian in the United States, but I had to start eating meat again when I came to France. I found it extremely difficult to be vegetarian here, especially because my schedule required that I buy lunch everyday, and most cafés only sell ham or chicken sandwiches. But aside from that, I found the food to be pretty good, if a bit expensive. I would recommend finding cafés in the "quartiers populaires" in the east of Paris - food is less expensive here!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of my favorite memories is the weekend I spent by the ocean in Normandy. It was completely different than Paris, and so beautiful! Also, experiencing Nuit Blache, Paris's all-night art festival and the Techno Parade were really fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Most of Paris is very safe. There are definitely neighborhoods where you don't walk alone at night, but for the most part I didn't feel unsafe. I was unfortunately sick for the last month or so of my program, and spent a day in the hospital. French healthcare is very good and accessible, and although it's not fun dealing with health issues in a foreign country and language, you have no reason to worry. The IFE team was extremely helpful with recommending doctors, etc, which made the whole situation much easier.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I am much more comfortable speaking French, and my grammar and writing skills have improved as well. I could practice my French with my coworkers, in class, and with other residents of my foyer. While many people spoke English (and often wanted to practice with me) I tried to speak French as much as possible.

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• Dorm

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• International Students
• Local Students

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• Americans