Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris is alright Past Review

By (Mba, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/10/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Paris - Summer Business Seminar in Paris, France (ISC)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about France, and Europe regarding how people think and feel about business and luxury. Also the differences between the EU and America to consider.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall there were a ton of different topics covered. With taking this seminar at the end of my MBA program, some material was redundant, but there was valuable information about business culture in France and Europe.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Christelle is a great host and she is more than willing to help!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Used Airbnb to get an apartment

* Food:

For the majority of the trip you're left to get your own food, so it's however you manage that aspect.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As long as you're attentive and don't knowingly put yourself in harm's way, you're fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

If you're not going out to the bar to drink, and cooking some meals yourself, it's much easier to manage your budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself! Buy snacks at the grocery store, and try to limit how much you drink out at the bars.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Variety of topics
  • First hand exposure to the culture
* What could be improved?
  • More main attraction visits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would have known that Paris isn't the city for me.

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 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.