With out study abroad, I would not have the job that I do now. Past Review
By Emily B (French, University of Oklahoma) for
ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France
If I had not studied abroad, I would not be as effective an educator as I am now. I teach French and regularly share the knowledge and cultural experiences that I gained during my study abroad. I highly recommend ISA to all of my students now because of their amazing staff and organization of the entire experience. I've studied with them twice in Paris and would love to do it again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Catholic University of Paris and Blaise Pascal University in Clermont-Ferrand, France |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load at the Catholic Institute of Paris was right on point. There wasn't an overabundance of homework, because the professors wanted all of the students to take advantage of the city while they weren't in class. The classes were however, challenging. The school did an excellent job of placing each student in the appropriate level of classes. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty at the Catholic Institute of Paris was excellent. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED the area I was in (2 blocks from the Arc de Triomphe). My specific host family was a little nuts at times, and I had some roomate problems, but if you remember to be FLEXIBLE above all else, then you'll be fine in almost any situation. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips planned by ISA were absolutely awesome! I also traveled a lot with friends on the weekends and it was all really fun. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I was in a very safe neighborhood, which made the experience so much more relaxing. I was really able to enjoy myself since I didn't have to worry about being followed home or anything really scary. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be flexible and patient. Take way more money than you think you'll need because there are so many things that you'll end up having to pay for that you can't anticipate before you arrive. Take advantage of everything your city, country, continent have to offer. You will not regret it. This is your chance. Live it up! |
