Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) for

CIEE: Paris - French And Critical Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was one of the best decisions that I have ever made! I learned so much about French AND American culture! I became more independant and really "grew-up" while overseas. I met the most amazing people that I will keep in-contact with!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers at CIEE were phenominal! They were so willing to help their students and really catered to each individual's personal needs (focused on improving their weaknesses). I was surprised how much they used class discussions on a daily basis! It really helped to improve my oral communication skills!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of my expectations were met with the CIEE program. The whole staff was extremely accomodating. I liked how it was such a small prgram because I was able to form a relationship with almost every indivivual.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an appartment with a single woman in the 13e arrondissment. My building was a two minute walk from the metro sto "Nationale." My host mom was extremely nice and was a wonderful cook! <br /><br /> I was about a 30-minute metro ride away from the center, but I didnt mind at all! I saw the seine on my way to school everyday and loved it! I always felt safe. I lived in a residential, more modern area.

* Food:

French food is delicious! There are so many great cafes and concession stands. Everything is fresh!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe considering it was such a big city! If you are smart and keep to yourself, you will be fine. I did get sick with step throat while I was in Paris. It is easy to find an English-speaking doctor

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I new that I would only study abroad once in my life, so I had no problem spending money. It it very easy to budget your money.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

The best way to improve your language proficiency is to be around natives.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You must focus on the present and live eachday to the fullest! Explore the city and enjoy the company that you are around!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intermediate French Conversation III

Course Department: FRN 2004
Instructor: Dominique
Instruction Language: French
Comments: She was always so enthusiastic! I loved her project assignments because I learned a lot about Paris in general (the different sections and history).
Credit Transfer Issues: YES! I tested into a loweer level than I should have been taken in my intensive language program. Another girl from Providence College, who had been in my french class in the U.S. did the same program with me and tested into the lower level as well. We are going to try and recieve credits for the convesation and grammar classes.
Course Name/Rating:

Intermediate French Grammar III

Course Department: FRN2005
Instructor: Delia
Instruction Language: French
Comments: BEST FRENCH TEACHER I HAVE EVER TAKEN! Her teaching style is amazing! She exlains difficult concepts in a comprehendable manner.
Credit Transfer Issues: YES, same problem as conversation!
Course Name/Rating:

French Phonetics

Course Department: FRN
Instructor: Anne-Maire
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Phonetics of any language is defficult at first. It took me a while to get used to the material, because it is essentially learning a new language. My teacher was awesome and really cared about her students!
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Muslim Presence in Europe

Course Department: SOCI 3001
Instructor: Yumna
Instruction Language: English
Comments: WOW, talk about an "eye-opening" experience! I learned so much in this course, both about the world and myself! Yumna was also one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is extremely accomodating to her students and wants everyone to succeed. Brilliant woman!
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Intercultural Communications

Course Department: ANTH 3001
Instructor: Hannah
Instruction Language: English
Comments: AWESOME class! The class was based around class discussion. We were fortunate enough to work with a class from French university and students. Hannah was such a wonderful person and cared about her students!
Credit Transfer Issues: no