Paris: Awesome, but Feels Like a Dream Past Review
By Benjamin P (American Studies, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Paris
Yes, it was extremely worthwhile. I learned a lot more about French cultural specifically and foreign culture in general. It was great to just interact with new people, speak a new language, and travel to parts of the world I had never seen.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Université Paris 1 - Nouvelle Sorbonne; Institut Catholique de Paris |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Tufts-in-Paris classes were good. Workload was a bit heavier than expected, but manageable and still left time to have fun. Grading was quite different, being out of 20, but the conversion back to the American system was quite generous. There was a big difference in teaching style, in that French professors did almost exclusively lecture, whereas American professors would make classes much more interactive. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program director was American but has lived in Paris for many years, so she knew about both the French and American systems. It was great to have them take care of banking/money for us, help us with phones, set up our housing, etc. They also provided us a lot of helpful orientation information about the school system, traveling, security, host family interaction, and more. The program was a good size -- 9 year-long students and 21 semester students -- and they were easily able to handle us all. The available tutors were very helpful, and it was great to have our cultural stipend to see the sights. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was arranged for us by the program housing coordinator. My host family's apartment was in good shape. I had a nice room (although my bed was a bit too small), and was in a very good location in relation to classes and nightlife. Everything I needed was provided by my host family and they treated me as a family member, or at least a very close family friend. |
| * Food: |
Breakfast was cereal and bread, but that was enough for the first meal. The RestoU (student cafeterias) were great for lunch. They didn't have the best food, but it was filling and very cheap, so a great way to fill up on a budget. Dinner at my host family's was always great. They offered me seconds of every course, and it always included an appetizer, a main dish, cheese and bread, and a dessert. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program-organized trips were always amazing - especially the meals. I always had a good time going out at night in Paris, and with my savings was able to travel a lot as well. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There were no major health issues. I always felt safe, even walking home very early in the morning. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 30 euros a week on food and personal expenses. I would spend 3-5 a day on lunches, then 10 or so when I went out on weekends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget travel money well and keep in mind that it costs money to use a pre-paid cell phone, buy toiletries and books, etc. Eat lunch at the RestoU so you can save money for traveling later on. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 32 (second-level literature) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
All students lived with a host family, were required to speak French during all program functions, and were expected (and basically needed) to speak French in public. All students on the program spoke English, and we often spoke English when we hung out together, but academically and in interactions with the French public, we always spoke French. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | someone who is dedicated and hard-working -- not a big partier, but someone who likes to have fun and have a good time after the work is done |
