Paris Is My City of Light - Paris-Sorbonne University Past Review
By Sarah F (B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Sorbonne University: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was the most amazing experience. I learned about a different perspective of the world and has made me more in-tune with international issues. I met a lot of really great people and was able to see so many amazing things. I feel like I have matured and grown from this experience since I had to learn to work things out for myself (my parents couldn't just hop on a plane). It also made me appreciate the history of things and want to explore my city more!
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. |
My Grammar Professor was fantastic. She made class interesting. The once a week lectures were interesting too. The workload was different from the typical science curriculum. It was a much more independent system as well. If you needed to get something done, you needed to do it yourself. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program director, Celine, is fantastic. She is so helpful and nice. She really has a great understanding of the differences between France and United States. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I didn't like that we only had internet access on the ground and first floor (like the American second floor). The internet in the computer room never worked and the ground floor was very cold and prevented you from having a private conversation on Skype. Also, we couldn't have friends or family in our rooms. They had to remain on the ground floor. |
| * Food: |
I had a mini-fridge in my room, which made it easy to keep groceries and cook for myself (which kept costs down since Paris is expensive). Since I have gluten intolerance, cooking for myself is the easiest option to stay healthy. The quality of food in the grocery stores is much better than food here (especially yogurt). My only downside is that it took me some time to find stores that sold gluten free products. Other than that, France is a country of good food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips to Normandy, Loire Valley and Champagne were amazing. I had such a great time with my group. Everyone is so friendly and we all got along so well. It was a great experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris is a big city, so when you're out you need to be mindful of who is around you, especially in the metro. Also, beware of main tourist attractions because gypsies hang out around there and try to get people to sign a "petition" where they just take your money. Also, there are the men who go around trying to tie bracelets to your wrist and then make you pay. Just don't go out alone at night (especially if you're a girl). Healthcare is easily available. There are pharmacies everywhere around the city and we were given phone numbers of emergency services to call just in case. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I don't know specifics. But I know I would spend probably around $75-$100 on food per week. Living in the dorm helped because all my housing expensives and utilities were covered before I left. Also, shopping can be pricey. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You just have to be mindful of what you're spending and remember the exchange rate. It is possible to still eat well on a budget, you just can't go out to eat a lot. I wish I would've known how expensive restaurants were (you figure that out quickly). Also, bars and clubs are expensive. It's much cheaper to gather at someone's house with wine to relax (wine is cheaper than a coke in a restaurant in France). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with people at the desk in my dorm, along with everyday interactions in stores and in class. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would have to say is be prepared to spend money. You may think you're being cheap with food, but somehow the money just goes by so quickly. Also, bring your visa with you to museums and other major tourist attractions for free admission (as long as you're under 25). |
