Paris, the Best Chapter of My Life Past Review
By Yu Pyung C (International Relations and Affairs to MERGE, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 05/16/2014 with
University Paris-Dauphine: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was definitely worthwhile. Living here for one year gave me time to make real friends and really blend into the Parisien society.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The school itself is known for it's rigor and intensity for the French students, but the international courses were not that tense. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
.They are always flooded with exchange students, and lack enough staff members to handle the traffic. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I wasn't selected for the residence provided by the university, I had to find my own apartment. |
| * Food: |
I had no problem with food. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As long as you speak, or try to speak, French to the French people, they will be understanding. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no problem with my health, so no need to use health care. |
| * Safety: |
My apartment was located in the safer area, but I've encountered some dangerous streets during the nights of walking aroun Paris. |
| 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) |
The university provides a reasonable price for lunch, so I only had to take care of dinner during the weekdays and the meals during weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Think thrice before buying something. |
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 |
French courses were taught in French, no English allowed. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 202 |
| 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? | Listen to French radio, make French friends, and find a petit blot in a French restaurant or something. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew my room was on the 7th floor by stairs. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
