Fantastic French Experience Past Review
By Spencer N (International Relations, George Washington University) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 05/08/2015 with
IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs
I learned a lot about myself, and I found that I am much more confident than I thought I was. When you have to try and speak another language everyday, it teaches you to trust yourself and not be afraid of maybe saying something the wrong way. As long as you try, you will be amazed about how much your language skills grow and how much you, as person, can grow.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were not incredibly difficult, but generally interesting all around. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Fantastic staff, could not have asked for better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I asked for an apartment but I was put in a home stay and I am so thankful for that. My French improved tenfold and my host family was kind and generous. |
| * Food: |
It's France... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only ever had a cold, and the staff offered me a doctor but I was fine just getting things from the local pharmacy. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 dollars a week, roughly |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 2005 |
| 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? | Live with a host family! It seems nerve-wracking, and it is a little at the beginning, but you will be so, so glad you did it at the end! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That everyone was just as nervous as you are. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
