NY/P Past Review

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 05/15/2014 with

Columbia University, GSAPP: Traveling - The Shape of Two Cities: New York/Paris Certificate

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot about design and the studio architecture environment. I also learned a lot about Paris and its history

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Students are responsible for finding their own living arrangements in both New York and Paris.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In both cities you learn a lot, but mostly within the academic setting, there is little integration outside of the other people in the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to access healthcare but from what I know it was fairly easy and simple in Paris and in New York.

* 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)

The cost of living in both cities is very high and students are expected to purchase most of their own supplies which can become expensive. The amount of time students are expected to commit to studio and courses, especially in New York, leaves less time for saving money by preparing meals at home.

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

The language component is very minimal, we had a course lasting about a month in which we focused on fairly basic language skills.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If your main goal is to improve language then this may not be the ideal program. To practice speak as much as possible outside of the class and expose yourself to the language as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The projects
  • The other students
  • The professors
* What could be improved?
  • The APP course
  • The clarity of instruction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? (1) The workload is intense but worth it. (2) The process of developing ideas and projects is as important as the final result. (3) It is extremely important to think about the way in which you present a project or idea.

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!