I got to experience Paris as how a Parisian sees it, not a tourist. Past Review
By Laura S (biology, art history, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Paris
The experience was absolutely worthwhile. I experienced a major tourist destination as a resident sees it, I greatly improved my language skills, and I got to study art history in one of the most art-filled cities in the world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Université de Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne and Institut Catholique |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload for my language class with Tufts University definitely had the greatest workload, and it was often very forced and painful language exercises that even in hindsight did not greatly benefit me. My Renaissance Art class at the Institut Catholique was one of the most rewarding and interesting art history classes, and classes in general, that I have taken in my Tufts career. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some members of the administration were approachable whereas as others were not. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was actually perfect. I lived on the Seine across the river from the Louvre. My host family was amazing. Both the location and my host family were the two biggest highlights of my time in Paris. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was extremely accomadating |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program regularly organized trips to museums, neighborhoods, or shows. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My area of the city was safe and I never felt threatened near there. |
| 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? | approximately 50Euros a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Especially in large cities, there are places geared particularly to students and often affiliated with the universities. In Paris, this was the Resto U, an excellent, pretty delicious, and cheap option where you can meet other students. |
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- upper level- intermediate to advanced language |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced French with my host family, with my friends, with my professors, and with people in everyday situations. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Go to all of the planned culture events and take advantage of the writing tutor. |
