Paris: One of the best experiences of my life! Past Review

By (Management Information Systems, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Ecole Superieure De Commerce De Paris: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It has been one of the best experiences of my life. I had a great time because I got to get immersed into the French culture and practice the language. I meet a lot of people from all over the world and got to travel to a lot of places in Europe. If I could I would do it again.

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.

The grading system is not very clear. I have no idea how my final grade was determined because for some classes I did not have any assignments but group presentations at the end that were very general. The workload was very light, I seldom had homework or reading assignments. I didn't have to buy a single book for any of my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not a lot of help with housing and getting around Paris until after we got there but it was very good overall. We had all the information that we needed and the advisors were always willing to help us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a very small apartment with three other girls from UT and even though it was very nice and close to the school it was very expensive. Living in Paris is very expensive but other than that I loved my roommates and I had a great living situation.

* Food:

The food at school was not great but it was very fairly priced.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved Paris and everything it has to offer. There a lot of things to do and see that going for a semester is not enough time. You will always find something to do. The school has a lot of parties that are also a lot of fun

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I am used to taking care of myself because I grew up in Mexico so I didn't feel unsafe in Paris. You just have to be smart and pay attention to your surroundings and your belongings. People will steal from you on the metro if you don't pay attention and you don't want to be walking alone in unsafe areas at night. If you make smart decisions you don't have to worry about anything happening.

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? Paris is expensive but I do not regret going there. Eating out and going places is part of the experience so if you want to have a good time you should be prepared to spend a lot of money. There are a lot of things you can do that don't require a lot of money like taking the metro to the airport instead of a taxi, cooking instead of eating out, and taking advantage of student discounts for attractions.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to have a good experience abroad you have to be willing to adapt to different situations and be open for new things. Travel, meet people, eat different things, and don’t be afraid to go places. Be responsible and make smart decisions. Take advantage of all the resources available. Try to learn the language and get into the culture.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

International consulting

Course Department: BE39-A7
Instructor: ROUACH,Daniel
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was a great course. It was not very structured but I learned a lot from the lectures just by listening to everything Professor Rouach had to say. I would highly reccommend taking it.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, I wanted it to count towards my MIS elective. Check beforehand what this course can count for because it's only half a semester long course.
Course Name/Rating:

Customer relationship management

Course Department: BE63-A7
Instructor: HAENLEIN,Michael
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting and structured. The final grade is determined through one test and a group paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: It's a half semster course so you have to check if it can count for something at UT.
Course Name/Rating:

Public marketing

Course Department: BEA9-A7
Instructor: KAPLAN,Andreas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Structured lectures and interesting material. The professor is good and engages the students a lot. You have to work on a group paper and take a final test on the lecture material.
Credit Transfer Issues: It's a half semster course so you have to check if it can count for something at UT.
Course Name/Rating:

Does the european construction lead to a european model ?

Course Department: LA0D-A7
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A great course to take while abroad because you learn a lot about the European Union. Each lecture you have a different presenter because you talk about different countries/topic each meeting. Some presenters were better than others but they keep changing every year depending on the topics they want to cover. No reading assignments or homework. Your whole grade is based on one final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Positional bargaining : negotiation workshop

Course Department: OA01-A7
Instructor: BJERKE,Constantin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very easy course. You get debate topics and have a lot of time to prepare with a team and then you negotiate with another team that has the opposite side. You don't learn much but it's a fun course. If you attend all the sessions and participate you will get an easy A.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

International technology transfer / high tech alliances

Course Department: BE0D-A7
Instructor: ROUACH,Daniel
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor is is very knowledable and has a lot of experience. As an MIS major I found this course to be very interesting. The only thing you have to do it to make a group presentation at the end. There is no homework or reading assignments. It is a very informal class where students participate a lot and contribute to the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: It's a half semster course so you have to check if it can count for something at UT.