Fantastic summer in Paris September 05, 2022

By (English, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/23/2022 to 07/12/2022 with

IES Abroad: Paris Summer - Advanced Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think this experience has benefited me in preparing for the CEFR B2 Exam.

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 is not very stressful, but the certain courses do require great comprehension of the language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Due to COVID concerns, we were unable to be housed with host families. We stayed instead in hostels in downtown Paris. Each room is equiped with stovetops.

* Food:

Although the inflation in US is crazy, Paris is still pretty expensive. I limit myself to dining out too often and mostly cooked myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I would've had more cultural experiences being housed with a local family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Watch out for pickpockets!

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)

I was having a difficult time due to how expensive Paris is.

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? FREN125b
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
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?
  • Parisian Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget myself

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.