Paris: A city that gives and takes. Past Review
By Christine B (Linguistics., SUNY - College at Oswego) for
MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at Paris City University
I learned what it's like to struggle academically. Studies have always come naturally to me, but sitting in a classroom where the students are debating a text and you can't keep up is the surest way to humble you. It was an ongoing project to remind myself that just because I don't speak as well as the French kids (hey, who could?!) it doesn't mean I'm less intelligent. Sometimes you've got to break down your self-esteem a bit in order to build it up stronger!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found the expectations and academic rigor at the French "fac" to be low: I scored as well as or better than the French students in all of my classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Because I had already been in France for several months with another academic program before switching to MICEFA, I had very little involvement with the MICEFA faculty; I didn't participate in the orientation, group activities, or MICEFA classes and never met another MICEFA student. This was an unusual case. The office was in the midst of a turnover in leadership when I was there, but they still managed. They were very friendly and always answered any question I had. They're also all fluent in French and English so you can express yourself however you need to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Having already been in France with a host family for several months before finding my apartment, I had familiarized myself with the local classified ads. My flatmates posted a listing on pap.fr. Another good site is appartager.com. In all cases, you've got to be quick - and don't be bashful! - because shared flats fill empty spaces quickly. Studios and "chambres de bonne" are easier to find, but you may miss the social (and French) atmosphere of a shared flat! |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself the entire time so I can't complain! As a vegetarian, I am effectively excluded from partaking in French cuisine, but it's a personal choice. There are heaps of great restos around for vegetarians though - falafel, Indian, and even some specialty vegan and vegetarian places. Vegetarianism has not yet made many waves in France, so be prepared to explain yourself! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I received a lot of safety tips during my first orientation (i.e. emergency contact numbers, places to avoid at night, etc.) I never had a health problem that required more than a trip to the pharmacy, but a friend from my program needed to spend some time in a hospital due to a personal heath problem. The staff was very kind and patient with her French, and our program director was understanding when it came to her absences and missed work. |
| 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? |
All of my classes were in French and my flatmates were French. School was a constant mental exercise and it was invaluable in my progress toward fluency. Be prepared, though, to spend some time feeling completely lost and frustrated! I made friends with many foreign students, including many Anglophones, so English constituted a large part of my communication. This was comforting but, frankly, not great for my French. |
| 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? | After speaking with many other international students over my year here, we have mixed reviews of Paris. At times it can be quite a gray and impersonal city; then, at other times, at a soirée with friends or riding a bike across the Seine, you find yourself in bliss. Don't be afraid to hunt out new neighborhoods and seek concerts, galleries, and other cultural events. It is in these small unexpected moments that Paris is beautiful. An Aussie friend phrased it well when she said to me, "Paris is a city that at times can bite you in the bum, but sometimes things fall together and it's beautiful." Don't let the bureaucrats and the clouds get you down! The thing I would have liked to change most about my visit would be to have spent less time letting the noisy city get me down. |
