Best experience ever. Everyone should do it before they graduate! Past Review

By A student (University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 06/18/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

University of California EAP (UCEAP): Paris - Language & Culture Programs, UC Center Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It is not only helpful, but life-changing as well. It is so worth the money, even though it seems expensive at first. You'll pay it off, and who knows, maybe one day you'll come back again and relive those study abroad days!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I came into this program knowing how difficult the classes would be. Friends who studied abroad before me told me that I needed to dedicate time to get those As, which is exactly what I did. This program really helped me utilize time management as I was able to do well in classes AND still be able to sightsee during the program! (Study in the afternoon, then go out at night). My professors were extremely friendly and helpful and I felt as if they wanted me to pass, and pass I did!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone was helpful and I'm still friends with the front desk clerks!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	This is just from personal experience because in all fairness, living in the apartments was great. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in making friends with not just people in the UC system, but to people in other schools as well. I think that the roommate situation couldve been dealt better. Mine was extremely horrible, but that's the only dislike/problem I had about that. The housing itself was relatively dilapidated. The showers were super tiny and whenever I looked up at the ceiling, the paint was peeling...which WASN'T appealing at all. Also no air conditioner, but I guess you have to get used to European lifestyles anyway!
* Food:	I lived in France, what more can I say!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Only a 4.5/5 because I wish I had the chance to interact with other French students.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)	I put a 4/5 because it was so hard to budget money on food + shopping!
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Approximately $100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Get a scholarship and a job. Save up money NOW! Don't bring clothes, BUY them over there. Chances are, they'll be cheaper and you won't carry as much weight with you.

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?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	None
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?	Use your time VERY wisely there, especially if you're on a language and culture program. If you're immersed in the country, why not use the language skills you've learned OUTSIDE of the classroom? It definitely helped me learn french better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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 city itself Learning the language Sightseeing
* What could be improved?	Housing situations i.e. the peeling paint on the ceilings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Bring the essentials ONLY! I'm a very practical girl, but I know that even I brought some things I didn't need. This is going to pay a very heavy burden for you when it comes to packing home because you'll regret coming into your city with 40 pounds and have to dump out some old clothes to make room for your souvenirs.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	French 1
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	This class was EXTREMELY challenging! Three hours a day of a foreign language plus 2 additional hours on Mondays was VERY tiring, but definitely helped me learn the material. I'm glad I took this course; Madame Carole Viers-Andronico was such an amazing teacher! If she taught here in Riverside, I would have up and switched from a Business to a French major just because of how great she is!
Credit Transfer Issues: