Paris Study Abroad Program is incomparable Past Review

By (Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., Barnard College) for

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. Living in a different city is a good experience to have. The French were much nicer than people make them out to be, especially if you make an effort to speak French.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2008

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?

11 Impasse Nansouty, in the 14th, across from the Cité Université, in the blue house. Top floor and private bathroom in a house with a British lady. Was able to use her kitchen, washer/dryer, and wireless internet. <br /><br /> Close to classes: 15-20 min by RER B (Cité Université to Port Royal) or Métro 4 (Porte d'Orléans to Vavin) to Reid Hall, and 30 min to Paris VII (tram 3 to Porte d'Ivry, PC2 to Massena, the stop just before the Seine) Always felt safe. In an area with some of the few houses in Paris, plus across from the Cité Université. Convenient with the Tram 3 (Montsouris) line, B, and 4 lines to anywhere you want to go! B was convenient for friends coming in from CDG. Landlady was very nice. We had occasional conversation, and mostly kept to ourselves. She had a nice cat.

* Food:

Food in Paris is incomparable. My friend who is largely lactose intolerant could eat dairy products there!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I LOVED my Medieval Art/Architecture professor Anca, and field trips with here were always fun and culinarily rewarding.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? n/a

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans