Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris- the City of Lights, History, and Culture Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 01/12/2016 to 04/29/2016 with

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My semester in Paris has enabled me to make connections to history and also gave me a greater understanding of American foreign policy and its impact on international relations.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors were very knowledgeable and provided the opportunity to read primary sources that have helped me in later classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Despite the recent safety concerns in Paris, the program equipped students with the proper knowledge in case of emergency.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The IES Abroad Paris BIA program is an invaluable program! As a political science and international studies major, I learned so much about not only European and French politics, but also Parisian culture and how it shapes politics and society.

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)

Paris is an expensive city but there are ways that you can save money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The last Sunday of each month many museums are free. Also, many museums are either free or discounted when you show your student ID.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Paris is gorgeous!
  • The classes were very informative
  • The trip to Normandy
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I known a little bit more about the language classes that were offered - the descriptions online were very vague.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!