Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing. Past Review

By (Advertising., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 05/30/2013 with

MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad in Various Universities of France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself! It was such a worthwhile experience. I'm glad I did it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall experience was priceless. I studied at CELSA-Sorbonne Paris IV and I can say with conviction that it will have be the most enriching experience of my life. It was a struggle at first to attend classes all in French but it such a worthwhile struggle, in the end the level of French I have reached is such a big reward.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Both the people at MiCEFA and individually at my university were helpful BUT the reality is they're not there to do anything for you. They expect you to find an apartment, figure out your bank and phone stuff as well as your metro passes, etc. They are helpful and guiding but never do anything for you, and I think that is very true for French culture as well. They have an expectation of you and I think it's a challenge at first but after a while it becomes veyr natural and it is totally worth it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was lucky and found a good housing situation early on; inexpensive and in a good area. However, the housing situation in Paris is precarious to say the least, but that is true for any comparable city. The housing situation is complicated and expensive even for French people... The difference between here and London, for instance, is that the language barrier may get in the way for some, so people who are not confident to go out and search for their own housing should realize that housing is a challenge, but again a worthwhile one!

* Food:

Food was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to break into French culture, but once you do it is genuine. The most important thing with social and cultural integration is to have an extremely open mind, never think of their culture as different from yours or as the wrong way. With an open mind willing to learn and accept differences social and cultural integration should be easy, it is just a matter of coming in with a blank slate, understanding their different rules/norms and expectations, and fulfilling them. Such a great experience once it happens!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is amazing.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Paris.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Paris is expensive. Budgeting is important but doable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100-200$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home as often as possible and ask French students how they save money. Take advantage of all under 26 discounts.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Everything was in French.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper-division French grammar course.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take classes with natives, stay away from Americans and make friends with the French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Independence
  • Language learning
* What could be improved?
  • Guidance at the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was not coming in with any expectations. I really am not dissatisfied.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.