Immersion and Accomodation June 10, 2026
By Aurora S (Connecticut College) - abroad from 01/03/2026 to 05/23/2026 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Paris
Living in Paris was an expansive experience. It challenged me in a lot of ways, and helped me grow because of it. Paris is such a beautiful city, with spectacles and beautiful architecture and people and a moving, dynamic current. It's a city to get lost in and find yourself again. If I could, I'd do it all over again.
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. |
I took 2 classes with Middlebury, a language class and a thematic cinema course, and 2 courses at a local french university (université paris cité). I was also enrolled in a methodology class with Middlebury. The courses at Middlebury were really interested, and the professors were great and very accessible! The courses at the local university were definitely a challenge, but working with students in my classes made it a lot easier. I'm very grateful for the chance to really see the French school system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at Middlebury in Paris were super friendly! They helped students adjust well, and I went to them after with a variety of questions not necessarily related to Middlebury, like administrative questions on my internship. It was a pleasure to talk to Lily and Nicole, the administrative assistants, every morning before class. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was lucky enough to have a really friendly host mother in a great location. Living in the 11e arrondissement meant I could explore the city in a residential, pleasant location. My host mother helped me get acclimated to the city, and taught me a lot about French culture and vocabulary. It's a great way to get a really immersive experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being at local universities means you can make local friends, which is the best way to get to know a city. Otherwise, I feel like I got a great view of the city, and really got to know its geography. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris is pretty safe! Keep up with general street smarts, and try not to be alone after dark, but for the most part I felt pretty safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Being in a program that really pushes you to immerse is incredibly helpful. Paris, and French culture, has so much to offer, and with a school that's there to support you in understanding it, you can begin to get a hold of a whole other world beneath your fingertips. |
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? | Keep a budget, or at least keep a general track of what you are spending. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 level (highest level) |
| 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? | Watch TV and advertisements for slang, speak with people your age, get a host family, switch your phone into French, look at French content on social media |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I could have prepared myself for the schooling. At times, it was really difficult. I would advise future students to reach out to students in their class as soon as possible-- don't worry if you can't speak perfect French to them, they will most likely be willing to help. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
