A lovely city Past Review

By (Fine and Studio Arts., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 05/12/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Paris - Sarah Lawrence College in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it was worthwhile but I wish I would have participated in more program trips and dinners with local students.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the program was not too intense and offered many opportunities for students to experience the French culture and the city of Paris.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

the home stay situation was not great but it's a kind of experience as well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

French culture is a bit closed to outsiders but the city was very charming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

a few pickpockets but nothing too bad; and just take care when you walk around at night.

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

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)

Paris is a bit costly but you can always find a good corner cafe. I think mostly it depends on how you spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make plans ahead of time so you don't overspend. There's a lot of temptation in Paris..

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced French
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? talk with native speakers and your professors as much as you can

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • being in Paris
  • the classes
  • my professors
* What could be improved?
  • student body
  • living arrangements
  • communication between different programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That maybe host family isn't the best choice for me

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.