Semester in Paris, Memories for life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The French culture does not use a syllabus so for someone who is motivated by expectations and can surpass expectations, doing that without a syllabus or benchmark was a struggle. The grade you based on participation, attendance and improvement. I started my courses with no french language experience so I thought I would fail, I ended up with all A's, with some hard work, tutoring after hours provided by the school I was able to succeed. I felt like I really earned it vs. in the American system you can calculate what you need "to get by".

On-site administration of your program

The couple who ran the office and their assistant were all nice people. Sometimes you wanted them to take of something that in the United States you could do pretty easily, in France things are not so easy so when they lagged it was frustrating when really it wasn't all in their control, for example setting up internet in your apt. That took 6 weeks!! The weekend events were well organized and they did their best to celebrate American holidays as a large group. For example they rented out a restaurant and the entire group had Thanksgiving dinner together.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

ISA leased the apartment during the stay. I never interacted with the landlord and ISA picked up two twin beds at IKEA to make it roommate ready. The kitchen included the minimum cookware, wasn't really worth buying more for only 3 months. The apt was walking distance to a metro although it took 30 min to commute to school. That was pretty standard I guess finding a good apt in Paris can be a challenge. It was a nice building and you could walk to a grocery store and several other shops. Not near any nightlife but the metro ran pretty late so it was always an option to go out. I had to buy an alarm clock and walking to a laundromat was new to me. Culture differences you just get used to, carrying your groceries home, etc.

Food in France is amazing, kind of expensive but that the euro. I miss the food all the time now that I am back in the States, they have such an appreciation for food and can spend hours enjoying a good meal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

ISA organized weekend trips where we meet at the office on a Saturday morning and returned Sunday evening. All the students (roughly 50) boarded a private bus and they took us to see the castles in Loire Valley one weekend and Normandy & Mont St. Michelle another weekend. It was amazing and for some of the students who could not afford to do additional traveling that was great. I traveled most weekends to go see cities outside of Paris. At times the culture differences were challenging but overall it was an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any health issues, knock on wood. I did have my purse stolen so watch your belonging, not just watch but don't physically let go of them, don't set your stuff down and expect it to be there when you go to pick it up.

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

No, most people did not speak English. The French culture is not very accepting of non-french speakers. You are in their country and they expect you to speak their language. I was fortunate to have been placed with two roommates from Michigan who were both French majors so they helped me communicate in public and tutored me some at home. Living with a family in a home stay could have been helpful or a waste depending on the families willingness to help. I also took advantage of the free tutoring the school offered for several weeks. I did have to use the french language in everyday interactions and that forced me to really learn the language.

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• Apartment

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• Americans