Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing and Easy Semester at Paris School of Business with SAI Programs Past Review

By (University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 01/14/2020 to 04/26/2020 with

SAI Study Abroad: Paris - Paris School of Business (PSB)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad taught me so much about personal growth and culture. I don't think I could have gained this knowledge from anything else. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

PSB has professors who are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. From my experience, they have been very welcoming and more than happy to accommodate students needs and extra help. Administration can be slow, but every inquiry is answered in a matter of time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SAI was extremely helpful in coordinating airport transportation, providing information about living in Paris, coordinating with PSB, and simply being there for students. I would definitely recommend studying abroad through SAI.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was beyond satisfied with my living arrangements. SAI coordinated with an agency and all I had to do was show up! My apartment is beautiful and very Parisian. It is in a safe residential neighborhood only 15 minutes away from Paris School of Business. The apartment is beautiful and much bigger than expected. I will be sad to move out!

* Food:

Cooking in Paris is extremely easy. There are countless markets, grocery stores, and produce stands that are extremely accessible to apartment living. It is very easy to save money and cook for yourself!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Both SAI Programs and Paris School of Business have set up multiple excursions and activities to get students acclimated with each other and local culture. They have been very helpful to teach us to navigate the area along with building friendships!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a situation with healthcare my first week abroad. I was unsure how to go about finding a doctor, so I reached out to my SAI coordinator in Paris and she immediately responded. She scheduled an appointment with a reputable doctor and provided transportation directions. She also gave me detailed instructions on how to handle the health insurance and reimbursement aspect of my visit. Local healthcare and pharmacies in Paris are easier to use than in the US, and I did not need any vaccines or face any health issues specific to my city.

* Safety:

Paris is overall a safe city if you are being mindful and tactful. Pickpocketing is a pretty relevant issue in Paris but can be avoided if the correct precautions are taken. My apartment provided by SAI is in an extremely safe neighborhood and the building has two security gates you must enter before even getting to your front door.

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

SAI eased all of my stresses and concerns about moving to a foreign country. I was more than happy with the results.

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)

Food and other daily necessities are inexpensive in Paris, especially if you cook at home instead of eating out. I have had no issues with living on a reasonable budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out much- cook for yourself with all the French fresh produce! You can get into many museums for free with your long term visa.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Classes
  • SAI Activities
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Schedule organization at PSB
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? French schools have a more laid back atmosphere and it may take longer for schedule changes or to receive your finalized schedule.

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 Urbanite
A 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.