Tufts in Paris: Life à la francaise Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was a very diligent student while there and really considered it an opportunity to LEARN in a foreign institution (I emphasized the STUDY of study abroad while there). In this way I was able to get a lot out of my educational experience and really deepened my understanding both of French language, literature and culture, but also the French perspective of History which complemented my studies in the US wonderfully.

On-site administration of your program

As I mentioned before, Monique was just always far too busy for us, and hardly made herself approachable - For example, I asked her on multiple occasions if she could check to make sure that one of my courses would count for a certain credit at Tufts. Her constant reply to any such request was that "well, they really PREFER that you take that kind of course on the Tufts campus..." She did say she would check for me, and after SEVERAL months without reply, I finally asked again if she had happened to check about it to which she replied with her motto "DON'T PANIC!" -- Incredibly aggravating to be told not to panic when all you are doing is trying to see if something will count for your major or not. I never heard back from her, and just dropped the whole thing as if it wouldn't count. I did not take a SINGLE course in Paris that counted for my IR major. Ann-Sophie, the Resident Life Coordinator was WONDERFUL and I cannot imagine having been in Paris without her - she helped with everything imaginable, even things I would consider to be much more in the scope of Monique's responsibilities (thankfully AnnSophie was there to answer questions since we Monique was so out of reach - AnnSophie would even say that she would check with Monique herself and get back to us with answers. Incredibly accomodating)

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was always a guest with my host family, which is completely fine. They provided quite an education in and of themselves in that they were very conservative and religious, anti-Semitic, homophobic, and racist - traits which they displayed over time at the dinner table and in their comments. I certainly do not think it should be allowed for host families to ask their students to teach or watch over their children - even if offering payment. I was asked by my host mother at the beginning of the year and I hesitated and said I wasn't sure (particularly as I had a babysitting job provided through the housing director, and I babysat AT LEAST 3 nights a week for 1.5 hours each night down the block). After many a backhanded comment about how ridiculous she had always found it when students would say they didn't have time to take an hour out to teach her son English I finally was guilted/coerced into doing it. The son wanted nothing to do with it, and ultimately I ended them, but I think that is absolutely the kind of unnecessary tension / awkwardness that need not be an issue.

Go to the Resto-U (student cafeterias)! they are a great place to meet French people and start up conversations etc. Plus it is incredibly cheap, leaving you with more of your stipend to spend elsewhere!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great day trips and weekend trips through the program. Loved the trip to St. Malo/ Mont St Michel. Ann-Sophie was also great about having Friday afternoon walks around different areas of Paris, or going to a different museum or exhibit or movie or something - there were a lot of ways to get cultural experiences. And as mentioned before, Ann-Sophie was a great resource for anything at all that anyone could ever want to do - music lessons, dance classes, movies (she studied film, so she is always in the know about films!), theatrical/musical performances etc. She can always point you in the right direction and find what your'e looking for -- and the cultural stipend is a lot more money than you may think - use it as much as possible so you don't have to cram it all in at the end (though it can make for a fun last few weeks too!)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As with any foreign place, just be mindful of your surroundings, and stay aware. The only time I had any thought for my own safety was when I ended up on the métro when the entire Parisian Algerian populaiton was rioting in celebration of an Algerian National Soccer team's victory - a fight broke out in the métro as it was being evacuated (evacuated because smoke bombs had been thrown into the tunnel so the line had to be shut down until it aired out) - and so I was dumped in an unknown part of town at night. Luckily I was with a friend (travel together!) and had my Paris Pratique (the map that you get in orientation) - never be without it! You never know if you'll end up stranded or anything!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family

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• Local Students