Paris is great! Immersive Experience, Program organization on the other hand... August 27, 2025
By A student (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/08/2025 to 05/11/2025 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
I met amazing people, I integrated into a local community, my french is better and I have memories for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Met local students, pushed myself in french, even made closer relationships with professors despite it being relatively rare in the french education system. |
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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: |
This only apply to the foyer, APA sets it up with them but it is not providing it themselves. While often the food is just fine often there are only pork and shellfish options, neither of which I eat being jewish. Cheap, healthy, and delicious food options found all over the city though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Became very close with an entire community through a local bar. I still often get messages from many Paris locals about missing me there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A for me |
| * Safety: |
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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) |
Great food can be found at a cheaper cost than Boston. Very affordable if you know where to look. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Boulangeries have large amazing sandwiches on artisanal french bread for 5 euros. Everyone should take advantage. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 105 Equivalent in Geneva, Switzerland |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Have your grammar down before you show up, and always tray, if you embarrass yourself you will never forgot the mistake and never make it again. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The program is egregiously disorganized, if they don't communicate with you something and you think it is going to be a problem for you, just fix it yourself, and know it'll work out at the end of the day. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
