Paris is not at all what you think it will be- but I still loved it. Past Review
By Elena B (History, Human Rights, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 06/14/2015 with
UConn: Paris - UConn in Paris, France
I learned the language better than I ever could have in the United States. I also learned to be completely on my own, to pay for everything and budget money all on my own, and to make travel plans and travel alone. Being away from home for a year caused me to grow up a lot.
Personal Information
| 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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to see a specialist a few times a week in Paris. Direct deposit can be difficult to set up in this case, so I had to pay almost 100 euros at each visit, and wait to be reimbursed. I am still waiting for that reimbursement, and eventually had to stop seeking medical care because of cost. |
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| 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? | Around 150-200 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Find a babysitting job. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Make French friends. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You need to be very independent and do most things yourself- you can't rely on assistance from UCONN, from advisors, or really from anyone. |
