The First of Many Experiences in France Past Review
By Anna W. (St. Olaf College) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/16/2016 with
IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies
I not only gained a greater understanding of daily culture in France and in the capitol, but am now compelled to soon return and live in Paris or another large french city. I also gained a lot of language and arts experience when interning each week with a modern and contemporary art gallery, with which I connected through IES.
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 |
Superb! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While I heard that many people in the program enjoyed great experiences with their host families, I myself was not placed with a family that accorded with my social and extroverted nature. I was curious and excited to learn more about them, but I was met with a lack of interest unfortunately. The living conditions were great however, and I enjoyed a nice quality of life! |
| * 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: |
|
| 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) |
Paris is quite expensive (but worth it), and the three meals a week with my host family didn't allow me to spend any less than $200 a week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook meals! |
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? | An intermediate literature and conversational french course. |
| 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? | I'd recommend that students speak French as much as possible amongst themselves in daily life! Also, read and watch comedies and other shows in French. Starting each morning by sitting in a café and reading a French newspaper also encourages the improvement of specific everyday vocabulary that accelerates learning. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known to pack less and bring a bag that would suit me for my five weeks of travel after the program. |
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.' |
