I'm still there in my head. Past Review
By A student (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/05/2017 to 08/01/2017 with
Institut Catholique de Paris: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It has been my dream to go to Paris. It did not disappoint. I learned that traveling is truly exhausting and will challenge the very core of your being. You are constantly making decisions everyday about how you should handle yourself. It is very enlightening and leads to a lot of self awareness. However, and more importantly, I was able to realise a culture in a tangible way. It was no longer in my textbook or novels. I was part of it. I was in it. It broadens your mind, but at the same time it is waaaaay bigger than you and your mind.
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. |
Intensive language experience. Everyday you leave exhausted. However, I felt that it really helped my French proficiency. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The university was very easy to deal with. France has a tendency to be rather slow and distant with bureaucracy. However, this program was very personal and helpful. Classes were relatively small and the administration was always willing to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I decided to not be with a host family. I used a combination of airbnb and some help from a friend at micefa in Paris. This was ultimately cheaper, but I recommend a host family if it is possible. |
| * Food: |
For the most part, I cooked at my own place because Paris is too expensive. But, when i did go out it was unbelievable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was fortunate to have a friends that live there, so they helped me integrate. When you don't know anyone, i could see how it would be virtually impossible to integrate unless you are completely outgoing and have no reservations or anxiety in social settings. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had to personally deal with it. But the program made it clear and accessible if need be. |
| * Safety: |
Paris is a crazy vibrant city. So just keep your wits and be alert. Mostly it was completely fine. Just don't be a stupid and loud American trying to get the attention of every single person. Not only will Parisians immediately despise you, but you will be a target for any crazy people. Blunt, but true. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would not do a language program. Proficiency really happens outside of the classrooms with real world context and people. |
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) |
Paris is crazy expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save, Save, Save. Dont eat out very much. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
intensive language program. 24/7 french. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | french 2202 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | italki.com start speaking to real people with real conversation. Ultimately, the classroom or the textbook wont really help you that much. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Housing and transportation details. I like to go with the flow, but not having these things perfectly squared away prior to arrival will make it impossible to go with the flow. A combination of preparation and relaxation is a must. Balance. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
