Amazing Past Review

By (International Affairs And Commerce, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This entire experience was amazing. Although I was very homesick, I am so glad I made the leap and came here and stuck it out. I made some amazing friends, had some VERY awesome memories, and I will never forget this experience. This was totally worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

If you like eating bread, cheese and wine all day, every day then this place is perfect.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Understandable that it was not going to be EXACTLY like home healthcare, but the availability of the Dr. and having to pay to get reimbursed was a hassle. I ended up not going to the Dr. when needed at all.

* Safety:

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)

2.5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$150+/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE and BUDGET! Check the conversion rate!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not do independent housing. Make friends with locals, not mostly other American students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • IES Staff/Professors
  • Being forced to speak French
  • Living in another country
* What could be improved?
  • Internet connection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to manage my money. I am horrible back at home, and that did not translate well here.