Perusing Paris for Life: How to Find Everything That's In Front of You Past Review
By Rachel E (Fashion Merchandising, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for
Paris Business College: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to better talk with people on a human level regardless of personal differences. I learned how to abandon fear when appropriate and venture into new places and situations. Even though some aspects of my experience received only a few stars in my ratings, the overall experience got 5 stars because I was able to learn from the less opportune moments of my semester abroad. This experience changed my future plans in that I now know I can go anywhere in the world and that cultural differences are no hinderance, but are treasures to be uncovered and approached with curiosity and capacity for change and learning. After this semester abroad I plan to live in many foreign places in my future as a global citizen.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was moderate. This is because many of the local students took an average of 10 classes whereas international students took 5-6 classes. Professors kept the local students and their courseload in mind when assigning work. Teaching methods varied greatly depending on professor. Many American professors taught in a way similar to standard American academic styles. French or foreign professors seemed to be more relaxed about grading and some seemed to grade on their own overall personal opinion of a student. The biggest differences that I saw dealt with grading (graded loosely, graded entirely on two or three projects/exams and not "activities"/homework) and personal relationships between professors and students (many students and professors dined and drank together often). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The "administration" was composed of only one person, who acted as the advisor to all American students (appropriate since there were about 5 of us when I was there). He was very very friendly, knowledgeable about the city, accommodating, and passionate about helping people. The whole thing was very informal though (which is okay if you are comfortable with that) and sometimes provided unreliable results. Nonetheless, my advisor did everything he could to make my experience enjoyable and insightful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
This is where the program administration failed me, in a way. I did not have housing for the first 3 weeks of my time abroad. However, I was hosted by students and families for the first three nights and another student invited me to stay with her for the remainder of the time at no charge. After this I lived with a French student from my university in a beautiful, safe, and interesting neighborhood. I was a close distance from school by metro. The apartment was fully furnished (including sheets, duvets, dishes, towels, hangers, etc. My roommate was exceptionally friendly and helpful. My main point about housing is that through this program you will have someone helping to find you accommodation but you must be flexible and be proactive in assuring that everything is lined up ahead of time. |
| * Food: |
You are totally on your own for food here, but this works out to be a great thing! I'd recommend any little boulangerie for an inexpensive but delicious sandwich or a cafe outside of major tourist areas. Also, if you are at school and are looking for lunch, ask the students about the bakery nearby that makes "sandwiches américain," which are not particularly American but are fantastic. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Almost everything interesting I did happened because I interacted with others. Get to know the locals!! And get to know others who are interested in exploring the same types of things you are interested in exploring. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
This is a very safe city. Many incidences of pickpocketing are reported, so you must stay vigilant. Otherwise, I didn't hear of any violent acts against my peers or friends, there was no assault to trespassing to my knowledge. I did not have any experience with healthcare. |
| 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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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 202 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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 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? | Stay open minded and remember that you can learn everyday outside of the classroom as well as in. |
