Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

UCONN in Paris Past Review

By (undecided/French, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

UConn: Paris - UConn in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and an enormous amount of French. It was a worthwhile experience, and I'm glad I went, but 20/20 hindsight, I would not pick the same program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I wanted a program that would challenge me academically, and allow me to study in French university classes. The 6 credit intensive grammar class takes up a large part of time during the day, and it was very difficult for me to enroll in classes outside of the program arranged by UCONN and MICEFA. I was able to transfer all of the credits I took, but I wanted to be with French students, not in classes with other foreign students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Because UCONN works with MICEFA, but has a special relationship, I often felt like I was missing part of the information when working with the MICEFA office. The staff was very friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living at the Fondation des Etats Unis was a great experience. It made it really easy to make friends with the other students on the UCONN program.

* Food:

I had to cook for myself, which was an interesting experience. The facilities at the Fondation des Etats Unis are communal, so they are not always clean.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Due to the logistics of living with other UCONN students and studying pretty much exclusively with foreign students, it was difficult to break away from the group. I was able to make French friends, but it a process.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe the whole time I was in Paris. It is a major city, but be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to your wallet.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Go find French people, and refuse to speak English to them. Immersion is really the best way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The improvement in my French skills
* What could be improved?
  • housing (live with a host family)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I understood better what the classes would look like.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.