Tell me more:
Still talking about my time abroad years later!
API (Academic Programs International): Paris - Universite Paris Diderot
Program Information
Designed for students who wish to take their courses with French students, these programs allow students to select their courses from one of two French universities. All students also complete one course taught by the API Resident Director at the API Paris Center each semester. Interested students may also cho... More
| Provider: | Academic Programs International (API) |
| Location(s): | Paris, France |
| Year Founded: | 1997 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Kate H. (Psychology, UMass - Amherst) on December 02, 2010
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2008-01-04 |
| * End Date: | 2008-05-27 |
| 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. |
I really appreciated the opportunity to choose my classes and be totally immersed in the "real" French university setting. It was balanced really nicely with the API-offered class on French cuisine and my teaching internship-- I felt like I had the chance to try it all! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While I felt well-supported, I very much appreciated that I was never stifled by API staff and had the opportunity to be as independent as I chose. |
| * Housing: |
Although I didn't often speak French at the cite, I did have the opportunity to meet a variety of international students. I loved the flexibility-- how I could come and go whenever I wanted-- but I missed the homey feeling that a host family might provide. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the API offered excursions, and went to almost every one. I felt like API gave me a great base to then explore the city on my own and get to know it as a resident. By the end of my trip I felt so connected to Paris that I'm constantly looking for excuses to get back! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any major issues, but felt like I had the support I needed if they did arise. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did UMass - Amherst prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be present! Wherever you are, try to really enjoy it. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | Yes, definitely! I feel like I really grew up when I studied abroad-- became more responsible, better understood my own cultural background, and continue to search for similar experiences. I was an intern for API when I returned to UMass, and I even ended up writing my thesis on the positive outcomes of study abroad. |