Paris: Learning things you Never Knew Past Review

By (Management and Human Development, SUNY - Binghamton) for

KEI Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I LOVED my experience. I learned so much about myself and other cultures. I learned to be so much more independent. I meet new people that I will never forget. Words cannot describe how much I loved it. I am so happy I went I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was fine because I seem to get a lot more at my home university. The teaching methods were totally different but that was good because I enjoyed having a different experience. They also grade differently it is out of 20 and not a 100 and people rarely rarely get 20.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My on site coordinator was very reachable and cared about what happened to me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood was very safe because it was all families. I wish I had learned the language a little better so that would have been a plus of a host family. I would buy little things here and there to make myself feel comfortable. The apartment was very small for four people but that is to be expected from a Paris apartment

* Food:

I love that i learned to cook for myself it made me a lot more independent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The student council was a big deal at my school so they had many many activities available like a spring break trip, parties and other things

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in my program but I was also smart and I didnt get myself into situations that may have been dangerous. I never really had to worry about health issues.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I most likely spent about 50 euros every 2 or 3 weeks more if I would go on a trip.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? My advice is come with extra money I know that it sucks to have to spend more but its all worth it. I wouldnt want someone to miss out on an experience because they didnt have money I thought it was all worth it in the end.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say no matter what anyone tells you go for it if its something that you really want to do. If there is a language barrier dont worry about it because people will help you and you will pick it up easily being there. Dont let money ever be a factor.