Parisian Paradise Past Review
By Angela W (French, University of Arizona) for
Institut Catholique de Paris: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This program was a better experience than I could have ever imagined. I made lifelong friends, lived in a posh, 17th century, central apartment with three other American girls. My classes were amazing, and my spare time was spent exploring the city solo or with my roommates and our friends. We also took trips out of the city on our own to visit Belgium and Monet's house.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Best experience! Studying at the Sorbonne is a dream with classrooms located steps from historic landmarks, with friendly, French teachers and international students. The courses are based on your understanding of the language, mine were taught entirely in French. The schedule is filling but still leaves you plenty of time on your own to explore the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Having a small group size was great and allowed us to do more traveling together and activities than a larger group. Our advisor was energetic but a bit unreliable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Amazing apartment in the center of the city, located in an upper class neighborhood and very safe. It was within walking distance of all classrooms and historic monuments such as famous cafes and cathedrals. |
| * Food: |
The food is amazing, but pricey in the city. Grocery shopping is easy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveled to the Cote d'Azur for Easter break. Had a fabulous time in Nice and Monaco. Also took a wine tasting tour in the Loire Valley and visited chateaux. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city is pretty safe, especially around our apartment. Being a girl however, I would hesitate to walk around the city alone late at night. |
| 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? |
All the professors are native French speakers, and most of the classmates come from other countries, mostly from Asia and Europe. Some of the students don't speak English, but a majority of the Parisians do speak English. |
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? | If you want a study abroad experience that holds your hand and takes you around on tours, this is not for you. Most of the touring of the city is done on your own, with your friends. It's a great time to gain confidence in your French and explore the city when you want to and go where you want to go. There are no restrictions or curfews on what you can do. I had a wonderful time and made some great friends! |
