Incredible Experience but glad it was only one semester. Past Review
By Mary K (Columbia University) - abroad from 09/03/2013 to 12/22/2013 with
Sarah Lawrence College: Paris - Sarah Lawrence College in Paris
I gained a stronger comprehension for the French language and an appreciation for French culture. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am glad I had.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
While the actual campus is lovely, it feels disconnected from Paris. |
| * Food: |
Food was generally very good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not feel especially integrated. Very often I felt like a foreigner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No problems |
| * Safety: |
While generally safe, the outer arrondissements of Paris should be avoided late at night. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shop as much as possible! Avoid eating out. |
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 |
It was required to speak French. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate French II |
| 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? | Try to speak as much as possible if you really want your language skills to improve. |
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? | I wish I knew hoe much it would cost a week and a better understanding of the classes I would have to choose |
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! |
