Past Review
By PCFrance (Math, Providence College) for
Hamilton College: Paris - JYA France
My study abroad experience was by far the best year so far of my college experience. I learned so much about myself and really developed as a person. I am much more independent and open to learning and trying new things. I really couldn't think of a better life experience and I think that all students should spend time studying abroad.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sorbonne, Institute Catholique |
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The full time assistant director who has done the program for many years was excellent and was very good for giving good advice. The director from the US who was a first time director was unorganized and it was sometimes difficult to navigate the french educational system. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with an older woman who had 6 grown children and grandchildren nearby. <br /><br /> I had a great housing situation with a great apartment and I was very close with my "host mom". |
| * Food: |
It was a great experience to eat dinner with my french "host mom" every night. It significantly added to my level of immersion. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a lot of opportunities to experience the culture in different social situations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Our directors were great at helping us get health care when needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Money goes quickly, but it is possible to do lunches/ dinners cheaper if you buy food at the grocery store rather than at restaurants. Picnics are always a good, cheap meal. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This was the most amazing experience of my life. At first I was afraid that it would be too difficult to be abroad for a year, and I was really nervous. In the end, I can see that it was the best decision of my life to stay for the whole year and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. |
