Parisian at Heart Past Review
By Tarryn W (Psychology and Economics, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Paris
Yes, I am certainly more aware of French and world cultural issues and differences now and I also feel that I have gained a lot of confidence from the experience, not to mention friends who I experienced an amazing semester with. I hope to go back to Paris, if not to live there for more time, than certainly as a visitor!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Institut Catholic, Université Paris I |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I certainly did work on the Tufts in Paris program- but probably more for the Tufts in-house classes than the classes I had in French universities. However, I never had so much work that I couldn't go out and explore the city or feel like I could not take advantage of being in Paris after classes or on weekends. In general, it was not a problem taking classes in French. Learning to take notes in French and comprehend what is being said is something you get used to in the first few weeks of being there. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The leaders of Tufts in Paris during the spring semester were fantastic. All the coordinators were willing to help with any questions, and gave us many opportunities to explore the city. The student life coordinator led walks each week in a different area of Paris which were generally great. She is extremely knowledgeable about the city of Paris and also about Tufts so she could help us adjust. The program coordinator was just stepping in for the semester but was also helpful with any problems or questions we had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great host family in a very safe neighborhood. |
| * Food: |
Try out the many different ethnic foods Paris has to offer in addition to the wonderful traditional specialties! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trips to Alsace and the Loire Valley with the program were great. I also enjoyed the Friday walks arranged by the program all throughout the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe - just be smart about where you are going and what you are doing and you shouldn't have problems. |
| 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? | About 100 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Drinks at bars are very expensive generally so look for happy hours! Do your research on restaurants so you find places to eat that aren't too expensive where you can still get a decent meal. You can also spend a lot less by packing a lunch from home. I wish I had realized how expensive traveling would be! It is still less expensive than coming from the US and definitely worth every cent I spent, but it is certainly a major expense. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French Literature (FR 32) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my host family, the program coordinators, other students on the program and French students. I used the language every day, but you could get by with a more basic level of language if you were not taking classes in French. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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 invested in learning French and want to take advantage of all Paris has to offer are best-suited for this program. Take a chance and challenge yourself with classes in a different language if you meet the requirements - you can do it! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
History of French Art |
| Course Department: | FAH 194 |
| Instructor: | Mme Bruneau |
| Instruction Language: | French |
| Comments: | This is a fantastic art history class. I had never taken an art history class before and the class takes place in the museums of Paris and had special field trips to exhibitions and areas around Paris. Mme Bruneau is a great professor who is very knowledgeable both about art and the city of Paris in general. Take the class if you get a chance! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
