Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Perfect semester in Paris Past Review

By (Bryn Mawr College) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/08/2015 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 a lot about myself, French culture/people, and Europe in general. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to any undergraduate student.

Personal Information

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

Blandine, Sophie, and Claire were all extremely helpful and supportive. They were always available if you had a question or needed guidance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was comfortable, safe, and in a beautiful neighborhood. However< I didn't have a very close relationship with my host family and wish I had known who I would be paired with before I arrived.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard to meet locals and become close with them; however, I think that APA tries to make it as easy as possible for their students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

APA was really helpful in making sure that I got medical attention on the one occasion when I needed it. I really appreciated their help because figuring out insurance is difficult enough in the States.

* Safety:

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)

You will probably spend more than you expect and Paris is definitely expensive. However, it's not impossible to stick to a budget and the more you plan out your week/trips the easier that will be.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook in/bring lunch when you can to save money. Plan out your weekend trips to save money - air bnbs are great for saving money and usually the more people you travel with the cheaper it is.

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

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? 200-level French course
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? Speak with your host families and use French with your fellow program participants (even though it's easier to lapse into English sometimes)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • 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?
  • Being in Paris (accessibility to museums, cultural events, great food)
  • Academic/administrative support
  • Weekend excursions to explore more of Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Course selection process (very stressful and time consuming)
  • Host-family matches
  • Oral expression course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan out your trips in Europe as early as possible and be better about budgeting. Also make sure to explore the biggest tourist attractions before all the tourists arrive later in the spring.

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.