I very rarely felt unsafe in Paris. Past Review

By (French and Economic History, Barnard College) for

Columbia University: Paris - Reid Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad. Also, after having to deal with day-to-day crises all in French (doctors, computer repairmen, getting lost, etc), I know for sure that I will be able to adapt to any new environment.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were enjoyable and the professors informative.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Maison des Provinces de France at the Cite Universitaire campus. While I was fully satisfied with the room, internet access was dismal, and the staff were incredibly unhelpful and unfriendly. <br /><br /> Satisfied with the room, location was fine.

* Food:

Obviously, the food was delicious because I ate in restaurants nearly every night. What I was disappointed with was the lack of options to cook for myself in my building.

* 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 very rarely felt unsafe in Paris.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 did not anticipate spending as much on food as I did. I think students should be prepared to spend a lot if they do not have a kitchen available to them.

Language

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

While my language speaking skills did not improve as much as I'd have liked, my writing skills improved immensely.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans