Fantastic experience, difficult but so worth it Past Review

By (History and French, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned all about many aspects of French culture--politics, education, gender, food, immigration, general outlook,etc.-- and the differences between America. This experience was incredibly worthwhile I am so so so glad I did it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Paris X - Nanterre Paris VIII - St. Denis
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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was fairly difficult to talk to French university students, and with my own shyness almost impossible. But I enjoyed talking with my host family and do feel like I got a taste of French life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, and miraculously never had anything stolen. Several people on my program had wallets/phones/purses stolen.

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)

I lived with a host family who prepared all my meals, but still Paris is expensive and you want to enjoy it. I say, spend the money, it's worth it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros or so
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Nope

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

Everything had to be in French. Which was great! I left very fluent!

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? above 100 level french course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch French movies!

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
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 people on the program
  • The traveling I did in Europe
  • The food and general atmosphere of Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Not much!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? NA