Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I rated my education experience as a four because I realize that there is no true way to compare the English and French education system. I think that the workload was very high in my classes, but I was never too stressed because most of my professors acknowledged I was an exchange student. I didn't particularly like the teaching methods I found in the classroom because French professors tend to be extremely distant from their students, just lecture the entire 2 and a half to three hours, and don't seem to make any effort to motivate students. The grading method is extremely harsh, and the French professors will call out grades and give negative comments to each individual in front of all the other students. As an exchange student, I didn't let this aspect particularly bother me, as I would often have alternative assignments. Also, the professors seemed to understand my individual difficulties with the language or with the methodology and would be lenient with their grading.

On-site administration of your program

The MICEFA program is very small with limited facilities. Students using this program will need to be ready to do things on their own, be resourceful, and independent. Everyone at the MICEFA office however were extremely helpful and friendly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a family in a small town outside of Paris, Marolles-en-Brie. <br /><br /> I was incorporated into the family as a third daughter and fit right in. It was a wonderful experience in a great town. The only problem was the transport as it was a little far from the city.

You can find anything in Paris if you get out there and aren't afraid to try some new things.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met many great French friends that looked out for me, took me to parties and social events, and made me feel right at home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was very easy to find a doctor. I did have one bad experience at the dentist that the MICEFA recommended to me, but in the future I will use someone more local to my host family.

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

I practiced French with my host family and all of my friends that I met either through my host sister or from university. I used French in all of my everyday interactions although there were a few retail clerks or waiters who wanted to speak in English.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students