An AmeriCAN in Paris Past Review
By Madison C (French, Neurobiology, The University of Texas at Austin) for
MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at University of Paris - Sorbonne
Through study abroad, I learned what I was capable of. I also learned the world is so much bigger than what I had conceptualized and I grasped on a deep level that everywhere, people are people, albeit quite complex. I count studying abroad as an invaluable experience in teaching me about myself and my world and I am all the better because of it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There are a great number of differences between the French and American school system. The French college system is much less structured, relies more on independent study and rhetoric, and depends only on 2 or 3 grades. As an American, it's important to give yourself some structure to make sure you accomplish what you need to do. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The MICEFA program, though granting a wonderful and frugal opportunity to study abroad, is extremely disorganized. Because of this feature, I do not suggest that you go to France without a sufficient knowledge of the French language. You will gain a strong level of independence and proficiency in France because of these defects but do not expect MICEFA to hold your hand through the process. It can be either a wonderful push forward for the person who's ready, or a nightmare for someone whose skills aren't quite there yet. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I chose to be a nanny and thus got free housing. I got to learn a lot about French family life, my comprehension skyrocketed, and my housing was wonderful but I wasn't always treated with the utmost respect. Overall it was definitely worth it, but occassionally it was difficult. |
| * Food: |
This is the place for food! Enjoy! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We toured Belleville, took a cooking class, and watched movies together. We also went to several towns in France. I really enjoyed these trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Inside Paris proper is all pretty safe. Be sure to at least be aware when you are in very North and very East Paris. Girls, don't go to these areas alone after dark. Pay attention if you're alone in the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. Usually everything is fine but these can be higher risk areas for petty crime like stealing and pick pocketing. |
| 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? | It will cost more than you think. You will have many unforseen expenses. Save and make as much money as you can before you go. It never hurts to have too much! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced French I |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had to speak French every day to get around and to take most of my classes. Although some people did speak English, they usually didn't speak it to me. My French improved by leaps and bounds and I never would have gotten to where I am now without having lived in France. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying abroad is everything and nothing you thought it would be. If you study abroad, allow yourself to be frustrated, lost, amazed, and changed. A study abroad student has to be dynamic and willing to accept differences and question preconceived notions. Studying abroad is growing up on steroids; allow yourself to move and progress. And remember that it's a season: being abroad comes and goes. So take every opportunity to make each day an experience! |
