An Experience I Will Never Forget January 27, 2026
By Nora J (Fashion / Apparel Design, Washington State University) - abroad from 01/06/2025 to 05/23/2025 with
SAI Study Abroad: Paris - American University of Paris (AUP)
While studying at PCA, SAI made it a priority to be there for us. They helped us study practical French, provided resources for medical help, and set up events for us to learn more about the French culture and meet other SAI students. Thanks to SAI and the on-site staff in Paris, I got more out of my semester than I ever expected! I solo-traveled for the first time, made amazing friends, and even had some experiences that I can add to my resume and will help me greatly in my future endeavors.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Thanks to SAI, I got an experience I will never forget. Between being there for every step of applying to the program, getting proper papers, and settling us into our host city, I felt safe and welcomed every step of the way. While studying at PCA, SAI made it a priority to be there for us. They helped us study practical French, provided resources for medical help, and set up events for us to learn more about the French culture and meet other SAI students. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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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
Thanks to SAI, I got an experience I will never forget. Between being there for every step of applying to the program, getting proper papers, and settling us into our host city, I felt safe and welcomed every step of the way. |
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
| * 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 |
The on-site staff with SAI held study sessions to help us learn practical french as well as improve our fluency. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Listen to music in the desired language, watch shows in the language or use subtitles in the language, read books, anything helps! |
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? | It is important to budget and pack light! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
