Amazing! Past Review
By A student (Architecture., Cornell University) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/22/2012 with
Paris College of Art: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Better understanding of the french language, people and culture. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
They didn't offer housing accomodations, but I stayed at la Cité internationale universitaire de Paris in the British house which was a great experience. I had a newly renovated single room with my personal bathroom and fridge for an extremely reasonable price. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | To fully experience Paris, it's almost a necessity for you to go to the local cafe's almost every morning to grab a croissant or light breakfast sandwich. But in order for things to balance out I'd advise one to try to go grocery shopping and make a few meals on your own if you have access to a kitchen. If possible, take turns with your friends or cook in groups to make the process a little more fun and less tasking. It'll save you a whole bunch and give you the opportunity to treat yourself to a few gourmet dinners while you're there. You have quite a bit of time while you're studying abroad so research a few restaurants you absolutely want to go to and spread them out during your time there. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4 years of french in high school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | 1). Step outside your comfort zone. Its extreeeemely important! It is so easy to find yourself only hanging out with fellow classmates who probably speak English so the best thing to do is sometimes go off on your own to a cafe and engage in conversation with random (but not creepy) french speakers. 2). At restaurants it is easy to revert to speaking in english because they might designate you an english speaking waiter or give you an english menu. So you should try as much as possible to use the french one.. or get both and do comparisons, which could be even more helpful. Order in French - no matter how bad you think your French is. Some waiters might not be as patient as you'd like, but don't be discouraged. 3). If possible, make a french friend. It'll help you expand your vocabulary outside conversations about food or directions. 4). Oh and take a french class if you can. And try to find ways to use whatever you learn as much as possible. You won't improve if you don't practice! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to meet people and speak french. |
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