Paris like a Parisian- or as close as you're going to get Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is rigorous, but probably not in the way that you are used to at your home university. The courses are useful and generally interesting despite their short duration. Be prepared for long (3-hour) lectures, but the tests are not very difficult. The challenging part of the program is over the internship period, and the hardest part is the last few weeks when you're writing a 30-page paper while working full-time. I strongly recommend staying another week after the end of the program before going home so that you won't feel too rushed!

On-site administration of your program

I don't know about the other programs, but the Paris program is very well-coordinated. The staff is always accessible and willing to help with any question you may have- it's a small program and the directors are deeply invested in making sure that each student has a valuable experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose a home stay and was very happy with my decision, even though I was a little outside of the city center. Most of the other students chose foyers, which were selected by IFE based on what area of the city the student would be working in. Foyers are extremely variable in terms of size, rules, and facilities.

Food depends on your housing situation, but I think most people were pretty happy! Paris has the best food in the world, but eating out (and even grocery stores) can be expensive.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is the absolute best program I can imagine for cultural integration, although you may not meet as many French college students as you would in a university-based program. The internship format goes a long way towards pushing you out of your American comfort zone and giving you a real understanding of day-to-day French culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally have any health issues.

Paris is a relatively safe city overall. There are neighborhoods where you shouldn't walk alone at night, but generally you just need to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Definitely don't plan to buy too much clothing or too many shoes here if you're on a tight budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

No English permitted inside the IFE building, ever. Period.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• The staff
• The internship
• The other students

• Organization of some courses

The Academic or Linguist