I wish I was still in Paris!! Past Review
By Roseanna M (Political Science and International Studies, Ohio State University - Columbus) for
ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France
My french improved so much while I was there. It went from good to fluent. I really hope that one day I live and work there again.
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. |
There was not a lot of class, and very little homework. It was more about learning the language and culture through actual experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration was great! Some of the nicest people I have ever met. The were extremely knowledgable and took us on outings. They were always making sure that we were safe and having an amazing time. Our group was of about 20 or so students from all over the US. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with perfect house family. It wasn't like renting a room but more like an actual family. My roommate and I had full use of the house. We could cook, watch TV, laundry, come and go as we please. We would cook with our house mom and go to movies with her. It was great. My family came to visit for Thanksgiving and my house mom made them Thanksgiving dinner. It was also a great way to practice my french. |
| * Food: |
Dinner and breakfast were provided with my program. Though the french don't really eat too much for breakfast. My host mom in the beginning made fresh dinner every night complete with a baguette. The more I lived there though the more we started cooking for ourselves and each other. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program did two trips. One to the Loire Valley and the other to Normandy. It was very fun. We got to see the touristy historical aspects of France. Paris is an amazing cultural experience. The cafes, the art, the fashion. Oh and with the program you get a season pass to the Louvre. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris is pretty safe. The program did tell us to watch for pick pockets on the subway. On the first day, the program gives you some safety tips to avoid unwanted attention. Health wise, I did have a permanent cold while I was there. But my house mom got me in shape with teas and inhalations. Plus, when you go to a pharmacy, you tell the pharmacist what you symptoms are and they find the best drug for you. |
| 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? |
I practiced the French with my host family, my language professor, international students, and everyone I met. A lot of people in Paris speak english but if you spoke to them in french, they would speak to you in french. I used the language everyday at cafes, stores, bars etc...My french got so much better. I was also much more confident in my speaking. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | It's a great program. I know several students in my program who stayed longer or did another program with them. If you are looking for a full cultural and language immersion with someone to transition you into a foreign country, this is the program for you! |
