The Ups and Downs of Paris: for Beginners Past Review
By A student (Psychology and Health: Science, Society and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/28/2013 to 07/11/2013 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
i learned how to enjoy exploring on my own sometimes as not everyone is interested in what you want to do. i learned that sometimes you have to put your needs before others and do what will make you happy and enjoy your experience.
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. |
From not knowing any french to learning enough french to get around was great. I wish we learned more conversational skills instead of prompts like how to reserve a hotel room, which I did not find useful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
my first host family did not seem interested to get to know me and I worked very well with the housing advisor to move. she was very helpful and support throughout this process and for the second half of the program i lived with a new host family. i loved my second host family and i still keep in touch with them |
| * Food: |
paris is great for food, but be aware there is bread everywhere since it is part of the meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
i wish we had more opportunities to travel as a group outside of paris. honestly, what you do with your free time results in how you experience and integrate with the local culture |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
i had some health issues during the first few weeks of the program and the IES staff were very helpful in helping me find the right assistance that I needed... especially finding an english speaking place |
| * Safety: |
i felt fine taking the metro alone, you just learn to know the areas and not to walk alone at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Paris is expensive city as the euro is weak compared to the dollar and because you are living in the city. There are other expenses to think of such as going out at night, the monthly metro pass, daily excursions to museums that are not free or other things and other things that should also be considered in a budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | A lot |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of formules/pre-fixed menus for lunch/dinner because sometimes that saves you money. if you are going to go out at night go out for happy hour, that saves you money. If its ok with your host family and you can cook, utilize that. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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? | talk to your host family in french. although its hard being a beginner student, it brings you together and also helps you practice your grammar |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | other costs (such as the navigo metro card), a list of ideas to plan ahead of what activities/sights to see before arriving |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
