A Semester of Cultural and Language Immersion August 08, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is extremely academically rigorous and is a full French immersion experience. I found it to be stressful and difficult, and most of the navigating I did of my local university was entirely on my own.

On-site administration of your program

I found that the administration was helpful, but unwilling to make accommodations or show extra support to students struggling. In particular with the increase in strikes, the administration did not change any policies or offer any additional support despite the social mobilization and affects on classes and student life.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed living in a student space and loved having other Middlebury students around for support. My space was really noce, but very far from the center of Paris.

I loved the food in Paris, though none of it was provided by the program.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Extremely integrated in the sense that I was alone living in the city and doing direct enrollment, but I still felt very isolated and alone at times.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

I found Paris to be relatively safe if you are smart and careful. I was comfortable alone on the metro and walking in most neighborhoods, but it was important to attempt at speaking french and blending with locals to not be targeted as a tourist.

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

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

Language immersion was a requirement.

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• Hotel

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Living in Paris and traveling
• Language Immersion
• Cultural Immersion

• Administrative support
• Class selection
• Academic rigor with direct enrollment courses