Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris: a city that has it all! Past Review

By (Marketing., Villanova University) for

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Before going abroad I had no interest in the news or what was really going on in the rest of the world - I fell into the typical American trap of self-absorbency. Travelling and learning about these countries from a European perspective. Since then I have read the news everyday!

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.

There was a lot of reading, and the teachers expected you to do it all. They believed in STUDY part of study abroad. The grading was a lot tougher in Paris, and teachers were very stern on their grading system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were extremely knowledgeable about activities for students to do in Paris. They encouraged and helped with travel to other parts of France and other countries. The academic building was definitely small and there was no real place to study in the center.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a 70 year old couple who have been doing the program for 20 years. They were strict, but they were extremely nice and spoke English to me at the beginning. They had a lovely home already prepared for me.

* Food:

My host family were great cooks, and there are amazing restaurants in Paris (although some are expensive).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rugby and soccer games, field trips to different castles and towns in Paris, museums, anything really!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You just have to be cautious like you need to be in any big city. There are many different people in Paris and there are cultural differences which could be offensive. Just don't yell in English, be respectful of the French.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff in Paris were extremely helpful and really made you feel at home!
* What could be improved?
  • Academic building was too small and cramped!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was a beginner who had never taken French before and in three months I really learned the language. The business aspect was very interesting in classes. Definitely do not be turned away from studying here because you heard the French are not nice. They are just set in their ways, that's all!