I Totally Overpacked Past Review
By Rachel C (Communication and Media Studies., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 05/27/2012 to 06/30/2012 with
API (Academic Programs International): Paris - High School French Language and Culture Immersion Program
I don't think I fully understand yet what I gained from my experience abroad. I spend every free moment I have reflecting on it. I learned about so many different cultures, wines, cheeses, and metro stops. My language skills improved ten times what I expected they would. I felt confident enough to speak to French people I didn't know, and that was a huge step. I learned about the history of Paris, France, and the world. The things I learned and saw and the people I met will stay with me forever.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Institute Catholique de Paris |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was in an Intensive Language program I spent a lot of hours in class but I learned more than I've learned in years! My professor was so nice and I met a lot of international and American students in my class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Anne Marie, the program director, is the best! She genuinely cares about the students and wants you to have a life-changing experience. The rest of the staff is kind of not really memorable though, unfortunately. Nice, but too quiet. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family's home was great. I had my own bedroom and shared a bathroom with my roommate. They were so welcoming and friendly, too. I'm glad API hooked me up with them. |
| * Food: |
They give you Crous tickets.....I used them once. Couldn't go back. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I really understood the Parisian lifestyle. However, I didn't feel very welcomed by the Parisian people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
They did an entire orientation on health issues. I never had any so I don't have a good answer. |
| * Safety: |
There are parts of Paris that I felt totally comfortable walking by myself in the daytime, but other parts I would avoid at night even with a group of people, like the Blanche and Pigalle area. You just have to find the areas you are comfortable with. And ALWAYS beware of pickpockets. It's really true. |
| 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) |
I ate out a lot, so I didn't shop too much. I tried to experience things even if they did cost money. The student ID helped me get good discounts though. Paris has cheap wine and bread but everything else is pretty expensive! |
| * 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? | $170 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat as many pastries as I did....but where is the fun in that? Don't order mixed drinks at restaurants. Don't always eat on the patio, it costs more! |
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 |
Some of our itineraries were in French! It's intimidating but SO helpful. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced |
| 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? | Live with a host family and make friends with international students! Read books (even if they are children's books)! EMBRACE THE LANGUAGE BARRIER! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Paris can get cold in June. I wish I knew more about the history of the buildings and monuments in Paris. |
