Paris: lonely in a city full of people Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt the workload and grading systems were fair. There were some problems with the system, as I had some classes that ended at 4:30 PM and others that began at 4:30 PM - in different parts of the city.

On-site administration of your program

Everyone who worked in the office was wonderful and helpful. I did not have any problems with them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very dissatisfied with my housing situation. I had applied for a program in the city of Paris, but was placed in a homestay in the suburbs. It was not close to school or other activities. I was not treated well by my host mother for the most part, she had bizarre rules that she would get upset if I did not follow, yet did not tell me what they were. I found my host father much more likeable, but he was often away on business.

In my homestay, dinner was often frozen food, and was not great. Breakfast food was not always available, even though it was supposed to have been. I would advise all future students who live in Paris to take advantage of CROUS for lunches.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of the arranged visits were very interesting.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a bad healthcare experience. When I went to the doctor, I was prescribed a drug that no longer existed according to the pharmacist, and I had to go back for another visit, which was not local to my homestay. I was also instructed to submit a form to get reimbursed from the insurance that I had to buy through ISA. I mailed the form, but apparently the insurance had a deductible which was larger than the cost of the visit and the prescriptions, so I spent more money to mail the form, and did not get anything back. I was very annoyed that I was not told beforehand that the visit and prescriptions would not be covered, so I would not have to bother mailing the form. I think that all relevant information about the insurance plan should be sent to students beforehand, and they should be given an option to purchase it, not have it be mandatory.

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

I used French everyday when shopping or eating out, and most of the time with my host family.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family