My year in Paris was WONDERFUL Past Review
By Jacqueline D (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Paris
I loved my year abroad! It was the best year of my life. I hope to travel more in the future.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universite Paris III - Sorbonne Nouvelle |
| 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. |
French universities are completely different; professors are not at all helpful. Overall, though, you learn a lot because historical perspectives are different. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
French administration is not very helpful as a general rule. Overall, considering the circumstances, I was happy. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family! They treated me as a member of the family! I was in a very nice area of Paris, and most amenities were provided. |
| * Food: |
I ate very well in France. If you want to be cheap, go to a RestoU -- they are cheap in price, but you get a lot of food in return. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I participated in many cultural excursions. Be sure to visit the surrounding cities! It will aid your overall cultural understanding. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. |
| 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? | $400/month |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travel expenses! There are so many companies to explore! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | eighth semester |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Tufts was insistent that we had to speak in French. My language skills improved a great deal. |
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? | Students who are curious and self-confident would benefit the most from a year in France. |
