If you're scared of studying for a whole semester in Paris, just GO! You'll love it! Past Review
By Raquel M (Financial Economics, St. Catherine University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France
Absolutely, as anyone that ever studies abroad would answer. I loved Paris before visiting it and I am so happy I did. I met great people that I still keep in touch with and it confirmed my interest in the French language. Being exposed to a different culture is rewarding in many ways because you grow from that.
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. |
I did an intensive one month program in Paris at l'Institut Catholique à Paris and I loved it! My two teachers were amazing and I loved being immersed in the culture with my host family. I had the most wonderful host mom and just over a week ago, I stopped by her place to say hello. She was very sweet and I'm happy with ISA. Ana Maria (I think) in the office near Porte d'Orléans was very nice. Two and a half years later I am back in Paris, and this time for an internship. The short program I did definitely prepared me for this trip and I am really happy that I did that. I do remember that one girl in my program, however, didn't get so lucky with the homestay. Something about the family doing the homestay for the wrong reasons... Most of us placed were happy though, so maybe just ask more questions about their selection process for homeplacements. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I don't think I got the meals I was supposed to, but I think I could have asked about it too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really liked doing the bateaux mouches excursion but I found the Chappelle boring... |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had an issues. It's important to be vigilant of your belongings as in any place. |
| 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? |
Host family helped and at school I made great friends. |
| 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? | I would recommend the program to a student that is responsible and mature. Being part of a group makes everything easier because the students become your friends and since you're all going through the same process (assuming same level of exposure abroad) it's more fun. Also, I recommend the program to students that are scared of committing to one full semester or year because it's more expensive or because they may be scared or worried about being homesick. This program is short so it works out well for people in that situation. |
