Study in France! Pay ISA lots of money, bring lots of money, and try not too eat too much! Past Review
By Megan B (French Language, Ohio State University - Columbus) for
ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France
It was worthwhile in that I gained a better understanding of the difficulties of living as an expatriate, and of the
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The overall educational experience was ok. On the whole I felt I was not challenged enough, but the program would be good for a beginning language learner (I had studied French for 7 years already) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths were nice outings to other French cities and to Spain & Morocco. ISA also had a nice facility in Paris that gave me a home base to visit 2-3 times a week and socialize with other students in my program. Weaknesses were the support services (what support services?) The home stay was underwhelming, as I was treated as a tenant (why didn't I just rent an apartment in Paris?) and due to lack of communication with my host, my apartment was robbed while I stayed there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived with a single woman in her 30s. Was treated like a tenant. |
| * Food: |
Dietary restrictions were not accommodated (vegetarian). Was once chided for eating three eggs for dinner when left alone and given access to food in refrigerator to prepare myself an evening meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trips to Loire Valley and Mont Saint Michel were nice. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? |
I practiced language in everyday situations (post office, grocery store, University) and in my home stay occasionally. Many people spoke English, but French was usually the preferred language. |
| 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? | Try to find an exchange program. ISA is not worth the extra $$, and once you get in-country you will have little to no meaningful support, unless you already have connections in-country. |
