An Experience to Last a Lifetime! Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In my time abroad I gained a better understanding of French culture and improved my level of French. This experience was definitely worthwhile I can't wait to go back!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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:

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

IES Abroad allows students to make the most of their time in Paris whether its classes sponsored by the program, courses at outside institutions (highly recommend you take advantage of this), or an internship there was no limit as to what I could do.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60euros/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have a host family the dinners they don't provide for you stay in and cook. The same rule applies for lunch.

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? French 310
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? Take advantage of the Rosetta Stone account IES provides you. It really helped in giving a review on everyday vocabulary I hadn't used since introductory French. If you are new to French, in addition to using Rosetta Stone download language apps and bring a phrasebook!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Classes
  • Host Family
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • The program could offer more opportunities for students to give back to their host country through volunteering.
  • An expanded variety of classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how much study abroad changes your life.The memories and experiences you gain are unique and can't be gained anywhere else. I definitely would have extended my program from one semester to a year and gone earlier in my college career!

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!