Bonjour Paris! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had no problem with the workload. I especially appreciated the fact that we were sent to a school with other international students, and where our classes prohibited the use of anything besides French. I loved being with other international students because our common language was usually French, which was good because we got to practice our French as we befriended each other. The grading system in France is stricter than that of the U.S., and the teachers are also stricter/give harder exams; however, I attended grammar and high schools in a similar setting, so I was used to it. I loved the fact that our teacher used things that we were interested in like French fashion, French culture, international headlines, etc. to teach us grammar instead of the mundane textbooks. Though I must admit that the art history lecturer put everyone to sleep, the literature and history professors more than made up for that.

On-site administration of your program

I must commend the staff in France, especially Nadine. On the last day of school, my name was not posted on the board for students who had passed that semester. I almost had a nervous breakdown on the metro in Paris. Nadine and the rest of the ISA Paris staff believed me when I said that I went to every single class and did all of the work, because they got to know us on individual levels and knew what kind of students we were. They all got on the phone and worked with my host university until they found out the error---my attendance in a mandatory course had never been counted, and so I had failed by default. Not only did they work to get the situation corrected, but they did not take a break until all was well. I would recommended ISA Paris to people. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I don't know how they did, but they gave me the most perfect host mother! I had the best time in France, especially on the excursions that are included in our tuition fees. The long bus rides felt like joy rides with the staff entertaining us and blasting cheesy pop songs from the 1990s. For those of you worried about navigating a new city and country by yourself, have no fear. You are met at the airport by cheerful people, you are shown how to do the basics in Paris, they take you to the profiency exams and out for lunch, and most importantly, they take you on a tour around your school area so that you are familiar with it and won't get lost on your first day of class! When next I go back to Paris, I will definitely stop by the office and see if I see any old, familiar and friendly faces. Excellent staff!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was excellent, and the grandmother would make sure to make desserts that I loved. She also found out that it was my roommate's birthday and threw an impromptu birthday party that night, complete with home made treats! I also have terrible food allergies, and they made sure to have the fridge and cupboards overflowing with things that I could eat. I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever.

Rule of thumb in France: If you see tourists, go in the opposite direction. Everything will be overpriced, taste and look like something that you could get in America, and kills your dreams of cutesy Paris. Follow the French and even though the restaurant may not be the fancy ones of Sex and the City, the food is AMAZING and the atmosphere is idyllic.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

ISA staff made sure that we got to see all the French cultural monuments/places, AND we got to go to two World Cup qualifying matches!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced my language everywhere. The ISA office had a "No English" policy. My host grandmother and sister did not speak a word of English, which made for excellent language acquisition and dinner conversations in such a beautiful language. My host mother was fluent in English, but she refused to give in when I was tired of learning and wanting to give up. Instead, she would find something that I was really interested in and patiently sit with an excited and curious look on her face as I explained it to her... in French. :)

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• Host Family