Past Review
By Jesus C (Mechanical Engineering., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Paris - Language and African American Music
Yes. I appreciated the French city of Paris in a great way. I hope I am able to do a study abroad in that country. In addition, I am making French one of my minors.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed my trip to Paris. The group of individuals that was selected for the course was very welcoming towards each other. The workload that was required to do during our stay in Paris was relevant to getting to know the host country. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were some aspects of the trip that seemed disorganized. There was a lot of waiting in between activities and explanations were not readily given. I believe that the tour of the city of Paris could have been the first couple of days instead of the last couple of days. I would have liked to get to know Paris early on with a tour guide, instead of by myself. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The toilets and showers were shared with the whole floor, breakfast was provided however it did not vary. One thing that I was especially annoyed by was that I was not allowed in the room from 10am to 4pm. The hostel was in close proximity of stores and Metro stations, which was good. |
| * Food: |
I ate at many ethnic food restaurants, especially Greek, Tunish and Turkish restaurants. They have the best prices in foods and are very filling as well |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The non-academic aspects of the program were manly free time that we had to ourselves. I would have been able to get the most out of it if things were recommended at this time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health issues during this trip. I felt safe during the trip, in the hostel and around the city. There was only one incident in which I witnessed one of my classmates getting pickpocketed, but he did not lose anything because a Frenchperson warned my classmate. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I suggest giving more exercises that require speaking or writing in French, whether it may be before of after the trip. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Research the area thoroughly before going abroad, have a list of things you want to achieve and voice your opinions to the instructor. Also, hostels DO NOT supply towels, so bring your own. |
