Paris: A Worthwhile Challenge Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I cannot speak for all of the universities, but at L'Institut Catholique, the teachers were fairly unfriendly and unhelpful. They were relatively understanding with foreign students and I would often receive an extra assignment if needed. Lectures were unorganized with seemingly little thought to what they were teaching (even the native born French students felt the same way and had difficulty keeping up). In my experience, French professors try to go out of their way to put students down whereas American professors will often go out of their way to help students who are making an effort. I think this is the key difference. For example, in most of my classes, the professors would give back graded assignments to students in order of the best grade to the worst grade and would make harsh comments to each student in front of the rest of the class. This is considered normal. Fortunately, as stated before, they are often a bit more understanding with foreign students and will be more lenient on them, or will just ignore them. At L'ISIT, the professors that I had were much nicer and had a better relationship with their students. Classes seemed to be more lighthearted and fun, and there was a much better atmosphere. Also, because foreign students are more common at L'ISIT (which is a school for translation and interpretation), the professors will often call on foreign students for their input.

On-site administration of your program

The MICEFA is a small office- even though their intentions are good, there is just not much they can do to help out everyone. It is a "do-it-yourself" program, which is good and bad. The good side is that you have a lot more freedom with the classes you want to take, what university you want to go to, where you will live, if you want a job on the side etc. etc. The bad side is that you are basically on your own to get all of these things. Dealing with the French bureaucracy, trying to find an apartment in Paris, and trying to enroll in classes all by yourself is definitely character building. Even though it could be stressful at times, I wouldn't have done it any other way. I definitely feel a much more capable, and stronger person because of it.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived very far away from Paris in a nice suburb. The good part about this is that I could leave the stress of Paris behind and take a walk in the woods with my host family and see a different side to the Paris area besides the big city. The bad side is the long commute to Paris. The family really took me in as one of their "third daughter" and I always felt very welcome. It is extremely difficult to live in someone's house, especially when each family has their own dynamics, ways of speaking to each other, and rules to follow. Although I was more or less able to stay out of a lot of the conflict and drama going on, it would sometimes be very stressful. Again, I wouldn't have done it any other way. My french level sky rocketed by living with them for a year and a half, and I believe that is the only way to truly get immersed in the language and culture.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students