Foyer Life: A New Way of Thinking Past Review
By Jennifer S (French, Goucher College) for
IFE: Paris Field Study
Yes.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | la sorbonne |
| 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. |
It was very helpful to learn French from a native speaker who actually understands the concepts. While there are differences between the French and American educational system, they didn't affect my experience greatly. Work is graded differently in France, so we just learned how to convert the grades. Presentations are also done differently in France, so we were given guidelines to follow. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I live in a foyer, which is a French dorm for people age 18-25 who are working, interns, or students. At the foyer, there is an excellent mix of French, foreign, and American people. I've been able to learn about many cultures and lifestyles, while improving my language skills. The foyer is in an excellent part of France, with three metro stops within 10 minute walking distance and a bus stop right outside the door. |
| * Food: |
Food is expensive in France, so it's difficult to go out to restaurants often. The dorm food is cheap but not appetizing at all. The cheapest and best way to eat is to cook for yourself or buy sandwiches from the supermarket. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nuit Blanche, an all night art festival throughout Paris was an amazing experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't have any health or safety related 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Every month I'd end up spending about a thousand dollars because of the high exchange rate, cost of the metro card, cell phone bill, and food expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to organize with former students to get supplies such as pots and pans. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced French with workers at my internship, professors, and friends. Most students spoke English, as well as anyone in stores or other general situations who realized that we're American. |
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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* Who did you take classes 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? | Live in a foyer, explore and try new things every chance you get. |
