The Most Wonderful Experience of my Life (easily) Past Review
By Natalie S (HISTORY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2013 to 05/31/2013 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
Living in a foreign country, i got to be more independent than I've ever been in my life. I learned to speak a foreign language (a skill which I believe to be invaluable). I also gained 10 pounds but it was absolutely worthwhile. Have you seen their pastries? Most importantly, I learned to seize the day, no matter where you are. There is always more to discover and explore... especially (but not limited to) when you only have 4 months.
Personal Information
| 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. |
With APA, students take 5 classes per semester (a combination of French University classes and in-program culture/language classes). For the classes at the French Universities, APA students are given supplementary assignments to ensure that we receive credit from our respective home universities. |
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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? |
Home-stay is easily the best way to go when trying to learn a foreign language. |
| * Food: |
Paris. Come on... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world... living on a student budget CAN be done but you'll be giving up a lot. However, bread and cheese in europe is just not the same as here. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 80 eu |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | get a job... everyone wants to learn english, go teach some kids. |
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 |
It was totally forbidden to speak English. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Fren 106 |
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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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? | French... |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
La Langue Francaise (French Language) |
| Course Department: | Language |
| Instructor: | Sylvie LePage |
| Instruction Language: | French |
| Comments: | Absolutely the most useful and stimulating class I took. The literature was wonderful and the professor was always enthusiastic. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
