The City of Lights is all it's said to be Past Review
By Audrey E (International Business., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/10/2014 with
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Living elsewhere changes a person. Paris allowed me to explore my identity and to see the world from another lens. The city (and the people) are intoxicating, passionate, full of culture and history, and kind. I will forever treasure my time in Paris.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my courses. The professors are inspiring and integrated into their fields. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very bureaucratic. Unfortunately |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Was forced to find housing in a city by myself. Ended up in a poor living situation. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I put myself out there- as a result I embraced the culture to my heart's desire |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe walking around Paris or taking the metro- even by myself at 3 in the morning |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Paris is expensive- but c'est la vie. Don't let money hinder you from experiencing the city. There are so many things to do that are free. But also invest in food and going out- it makes the experience well-rounded and tres Parisian |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200 (at least) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | roll up your sleeves and cook |
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 |
Classes are in English which makes it tough to fully embrace 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? | Advanced French 1 |
| 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? | Get outside of your comfort zone. Talk to strangers |
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? | Housing. How to work the metro. Best areas of town. Where to buy simple basic things |
