Paris - not that friendly, but convenient travel and delicious food! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The French educational system is very harsh compared to what we're used to in the U.S. The professors are very very hard to reach outside of class (i.e. there are no "office hours"). The lectures can be a professor talking for 3 straight hours without any visual aids (no powerpoints, overheads, or anything). They also grade very harshly. They grade on a 20/20 point system, and NO ONE - I mean NO ONE - EVER gets a full score. They say that 19s to 20s are for the gods, 17s and 18s are for the professors, and below that are the actual range of grades students can get. Because there was little opportunity to communicate with the professors, some of them were not very understanding about the fact that some of us American students didn't speak French perfectly.

On-site administration of your program

The program had a new staff and too many students. They tried to be helpful, but was rather disorganized. They were not able to provide individual attention for students during peak periods, which is... pretty often. They actually lost one of my grades, and I had to ask the professor to resend my grade to them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived by myself in a closet-sized... attic. It was close to class and in an exciting part of Paris, though. I had to set up internet and such myself, not to mention a microwave, food or sheets or soap, etc.

Paris... has GREAT food. I wouldn't worry about it. If you have a sweet tooth, I HIGHLY recommend going to Pierre Herme and Maison Berthillon for delicious macarons and ice cream.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program arranged some visits once every few weeks. It did organize an orientation that helped us see some cool parts of Paris.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Petty theft is VERY COMMON in Paris. Always zip your purses and keep an eye on your valuables, or they WILL be gone. There's not much violence otherwise. I didn't have an experience with health concerns.

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

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• Local Students