Paris je t'aime Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/31/2012 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
I learned to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me. You never know where something will lead, so go to that cafe, meet up with that friend, or see that museum exhibit. This experience was definitely worthwhile, and I would recommend it to everyone.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense |
| 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. |
I am satisfied with my academic experience. Students should be prepared to be more independent about deadlines. The workload increases towards the end of the semester. |
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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: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I absolutely loved the city of Paris and living there. In terms of meeting French people, you have to be outgoing and unafraid to just start talking to people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Paris. As with any city, watch your wallet and be aware of your surroundings, but I generally had no problems. |
| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 141B |
| 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 make mistakes. The best way to learn is to just speak as much as you can. The mistakes will go away with time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Students are expected to be pretty independent from the get-go. |
