Paris, Truly a Moveable Feast Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Catholic Institute placed all American students in grade levels lower than their actual capabilities to even out the playing field with other international students (commensurate to a one-year drop of schooling). But this placement was flexible and there were students who were able to convince administration to move them up. Additionally, despite the argument that American students were dropped to lower levels because the classes were "more difficult" compared to our US standards, I felt under-challenged in my language courses.

On-site administration of your program

While ISA was very good at organizing events in the first month, I felt that the effort flagged in the subsequent months. They were very effective at being non-intrusive, yet present if issues needed to be resolved.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky to live in the 15th (a family-friendly neighborhood) with a single divorced woman in her 2-story flat. This living situation was arranged by ISA (although some of my friends were not as lucky). My roommate and I had our own rooms at the time. The only materials I needed to bring with me were office supplies and electronics. Louise was pretty cool; she had no problems with us staying out late and coming in at 5 AM if we missed the metro. While she sometimes obsessed about our health (ie, she tried to make me drink milk when I had a cold/asthmatic reaction to all the smoking), she mostly tried to be as non-intrusive in our personal lives as possible.

Again, lucky in this: Louise was a great cook. She also bought plenty of snacks for us in case we got hungry before dinner.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A little clique-y as when I attended, almost 1/3rd of the students came from one institution. Otherwise, the Loire Valley expedition was well-thought out, as it would have been difficult to arrange a tour ourselves. Likewise our trip to Normandy.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

ISA gave us a fairly extensive warning about how to avoid robberies and sexual assaults. But of course Paris is extremely dangerous in some areas (and I grew up in Los Angeles), particularly if you are a woman or woman of color. There are frequent sexual assaults and quite a bit of verbal abuse if you are ethnic. When I was traveling with just my sister, we were followed and insulted in--of all places--the 13th! Always travel in pairs and while I did not carry pepper spray, some may recommend this if you have to walk alone. Take a taxi if you are lost at night.

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

While I was forced to speak French as many of the international students did not speak any other common language, I learned most of my French by speaking with my host family--ie, a single divorced woman. She encouraged us to speak only French and was very attentive in correcting our mistakes and/or working with us to learn simpler phrases, sayings, etc.

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Americans