SAI semester in Paris Past Review
By Allison Kennedy (Capital University) - abroad from 01/05/2017 to 05/13/2017 with
SAI Study Abroad: Paris - American University of Paris (AUP)
My experience was extremely worthwhile. I have gained an entire new framework for understanding different cultures and also myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had participated in some of the most rigerous classes but have retained the most information within a semesters time. I found the professors to be excellent, especially in what they specialize in. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study aboard program cordinater was immensely helpful from the start of the program until present day. Not only did I recieve help when needed but experianced the city in a way I don't believe I would have without her. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Comforts of Home housing provided by SAI and AUP are decorated in basic IKEA decor but the building itself was a beautiful parisian apartment complex. |
| * Food: |
Food in Paris is some of the best, but quite expensive. The fresh food markets saw my presence several times a week, but the restaurants not so much. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made it an intention before going abroad to get as involved as I felt possible. Outside of the classroom I interned for the study abroad office and also took on a babysitting position with a French family. |
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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
The people that I met and the experiences I had were reliant on my participation in SAI. I don't believe I would have been as comfortable to step out of my comfort zone had I been apart of a different program. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest making very clear your financial situation before and during your study aboard experience. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? | If I had to change something about my experience, I wish I had been more comfortable in the begining of the semester to explore the city on my own. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
