Paris while living with a host family Past Review

By (International Business, Texas Tech) for

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the greatest experiences in my life. Time well spent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors were knowledgeable of their subjects and respected the students. Homework was challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: welcoming and great communication skills. Weaknesses: Location of office

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of the Host family was close to campus. Even without its proximity, it is easy to to use local transportation to arrive at any location at a reasonable time period.

* Food:

Food was authentic and great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

ISA takes great care of their students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Listen to those who know the area and you will be safe. Use the buddy system, never travel alone.

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? Paris is expensive. I spent lots of money. At least 100 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Your money will go flying out of your pocket. "It's monopoly money." Try to budget...I dare you.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Students are able to practice their language skills with other students and faculty. It seemed that every one spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Night life
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • Giving students an accurate budget.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's the city of lights. You will fall in love with everything about it and everything that you thought you knew about Paris isn't even the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more.