J'adore Paris Past Review

By (Sales and Marketing Operations/Marketing and Distribution Teacher Education, California Baptist University) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/17/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I absolutely loved my experience with isa! It was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From day 1 of applying to isa, the Austin staff was extremely helpful and supportive of making sure I got all the right paperwork done and my visa was processed correctly! In fact, I actually ended up missing a form the day before my embassy interview and isa overnighted it to me so that I wouldn’t have to miss my appointment. The great thing about studying abroad with a provider like isa is that they take care of the logistics for you. I got on my plane to Paris knowing that someone had set up my housing, someone was going to pick me up at the airport, I was registered for classes, etc. The on-site staff was really helpful and supportive with some health care issues I had too which I really appreciated since my French was not very good! Paris is a beautiful city and while many say they fall in love in Paris, I would say I fell in love with Paris! There’s nothing like an afternoon stroll along the seine, eating a crepe at Trocadero while gazing at the Eiffel Tower, spending long afternoons at sidewalk cafes, or getting your bread fresh every morning. Paris is also a fantastic city to study abroad in because it is so close to other amazing cities in Europe. During my study abroad experience I visited 6 other countries and countless cities. The relatively cheap and easy travel is one of the huge perks of being in continental Europe. Studying abroad really teaches you to be independent, learn a new language and culture, adapt to countless circumstances, and discover who you are. It takes a leap of faith to be willing to leave everything behind and step into the unknown, but I promise it is a decision you will never regret! Now what are you waiting for? Go Study Abroad!!!

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

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
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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Paris!
* What could be improved?
  • housing
  • cultural integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The French language/culture is very hard to break into so it is hard to make connections if you have little language schools. Make sure to practice as much as possible for you leave! :)