Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I’ve met my best friends and learned amazing lessons, best summer of my life. Past Review

By (Paris College of Art) - abroad from 06/17/2019 to 07/26/2019 with

Paris College of Art: Paris - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be on my own for the first time and all of the relationships that I made. I learned a lot through my courses and It was definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot through each class that I took, which was Paris in Black and White, Paris Fashion Culture, and Fashion Editorial. My teachers pushed me to be the best I could be and it was overall the best teaching experience that I have ever had.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in administration was very kind and helpful to all students that attended the summer courses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Paris College of Art put their students through a company called Comforts of Home and overall it went very well. The housing was very nice and I was roommates with people that I still consider my best friends.

* Food:

There are a variety of food options around the school for everyone’s needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In class, we went on a lot of outings with my group of classmates and we were introduced to many popular spots in Paris. And outside of class, it took time, but I felt very integrated in the local culture as I lived there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any problems with health but Paris College of Art gave us a list of English speaking doctors as well as local information of pharmacies.

* Safety:

It was very safe and Paris College of Art administration made all students aware of different risks that occasionally happen around the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Paris College of Art is so helpful and has amazing atmosphere. The teachers are so understanding and the people are my forever friends.

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 7 euros per meal but you can definitely go cheaper.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always have backup money options just in case of emergencies.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I didn’t have any prior experience
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? Babbel app and google translate for emergencies

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Best friends
  • Paris in Black and White
  • The teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Information about food
  • Helping with metro passes as a group
  • Better syllabus where students know exactly what they need to buy for the teacher’s needs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had an amazing time without any negative experiences.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Paris in Black and White
Course Department: Photography
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was very challenging for me because I have never used an analog camera before. The instructor was so helpful and the best teacher that I have ever had.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.