My study abroad in Paris pushed me to explore a different world abroad Past Review

By (French and Japanese, Ohio State University - Columbus) for

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was the most amazing time I have ever had.

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.

Workload was just challenging enough and wasn't too much or easy. I really liked my professors and the class sizes were just the right amount. Only thing I would have liked was a little more diversity within the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA staff were incredibly helpful and kind! They helped me with whatever problem I had and even helped me make a french resume. Couldn't have asked for a better staff!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family and another American student who was in the same program. Though the apartment was small, it was comfortable to live there. However the family were always busy and therefore didn't get to spend much time with them.

* Food:

sometimes food was a frozen pizza or tv dinner because my host mom would get home late from work. Though there was always enough food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to Morocco and spent two nights in the sahara desert. it was the most amazing trip i ever took.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Even though it was a big city I felt completely safe while I was there.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

There were a lot of people who spoke English but I still used it in stores and in class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • people
  • trips
* What could be improved?
  • more opportunities to meet natives (french people)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to spend time with non-Americans and as many natives as possible. Join clubs or conversation tables.