n/a Past Review
By Teddy S (French and Spanish, SUNY - College at Oswego) for
MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at Catholic University of Paris
I got that I can make it through and anywhere. I now know how to be French, eat like a French and Cook like a French...
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Paris 3, Institut Catholique de Paris |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would say that the education in France is more competitive and more challenging, it is no JOKE. The grading system is very different "0-20" teaching at the "faculte" is more like lectures, you are more independent there, it is up to you to keep up, to educate yourself and to have self-motivation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was good. One thing I did not like was that if a professor was absent we were not told and the staff members did not know of it. But that was just a t the "Faculte." It does not happen everywhere. You will not be penalized if you are a foreigner, they know that French is not your language, so they won't pick at you; on the other hand, do not feel lazy by thinking that since they do not pick on you, you will hard work hard. You should do it au contraire. You are independent and should motivate yourself |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had family there. |
| * Food: |
Family |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Castle trips at the banlieu "countryside" |
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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? |
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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you walk on the streets, (be) seem friendly!It is a big city like NYC, so watch your stuffs closely |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Many people spoke English. To better practice the French language would be within the family if they do, close friends, professors, and within any relationship. |
Other Program Information
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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? | You will feel different but in a good way, do not listen to what others say, but go and live it , experience it and see it for yourself. The French culture is very different |
