I Never want to leave Paris! Past Review

By (Management, Providence College) for

IES Abroad: Paris - Business & International Affairs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The worst thing about the study abroad experience was the PEOPLE in the program. We just didn't click.. people coming to study in Paris are just not people I would hang out with at home. It was an absolutely amazing experience being here and doing the program, I just would suggest looking up the people you'll be studying with before just hopping into it.

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 grading system was a little bit different and there were only a few important things such as midterms and a few projects and presentations that were graded and put towards the grade. Participation was also worth, in some classes, almost 40%. I liked it, it encouraged discussions and interesting classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program itself I thought was really great. They always had someone there to answer questions or make phone calls in French if you were unable. It was in a very easy place to get to for me and was very convenient, only a 20 minute walk. They provided us with orientation and a re-entry session. The director was VERY personable and really friendly. She would help with whatever you needed and even had a cell phone you could call if at anytime you were in trouble. The program really met my expectations. What i didn't like was the size. The actual school was much too small and the internet RARELY worked. It was frustrating since it was the only place we could print something out, and there were usually too many people down there and nowhere to do work. The center was too small as well as the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked the housing but it made it hard to socialize. We were not on the same floor and were integrated with random french families, not other students. Therefore we could not really hang out and easily just have an "open door" policy like in a dorm room. Also it was very unfair that we didn't have any type of meal compensation. The home stay people got mostly breakfast every day and dinner three times a week, and we got nothing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really liked going to the champagne region of France, as well as the "question of the week" which provided you the chance to win tickets or something else to an event each week. I won one, to go to a cooking class which was fun and interesting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We had insurance and healthcare. I had no issues with health. There was an american hospital to go to if needed, and they made clear how to get in touch with police or doctors.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? just be conservative..

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We had a two hour class twice a week that we had to speak french in, no English. I used the french all the time while out and about in Paris. most people did speak some english but i know french well enough to continue the conversation in french. Therefore, most interactions were done in french with Parisians.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans