Paris: The most amazing city in the world!!! Past Review

By (English And Communications, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

CUPA: Paris - Study Abroad in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about confidence, independence, and having a positive outlook. it was very worthwhile.

Review Photos

CUPA: Paris Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were great but they put a little TOO much pressure on us

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all friendly and really helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was amazing

* Food:

My host mom cooked great vegetarian food for me, but I got tired of not being able to make my own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I could speak French with the locals but Parisians are not that welcoming to outsiders

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use it but they talked about it pretty thoroughly in orientation

* Safety:

I pretty much always felt safe, but if people heard me and friends speaking English they would often cut into our conversations, had a lot of strangers approach me but I never felt truly threatened

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 only problem I encountered was on the weekends I spent A LOT more money than during the week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between 50 and 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? figure out ways to budget on the weekends because that was my biggest problem!!

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

We often got in trouble for speaking English!

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 2601
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? don't be afraid to speak even if you're terrible!!! speaking is the absolute best way to improve.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 classes
  • the encouragement to use french
  • the location
* What could be improved?
  • work load could be a little less in classes- i was frequently extremely stressed about doing work in french
  • more group activities - some of the other students i never even saw after orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to not be so stressed about classes because everything will work out!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.