Live, Learn and Love Paris Past Review
By A student () for
ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France
My experience was absolutely worthwhile. I was nervous to go abroad, especially for an entire semester, but the experience taught me about myself and my life style. Living in another culture really teaches you about yourself and how you relate to the world. It opens your mind to a new way of life and living that will change you for the better. I have always been globally minded, but from my study abroad experience, I have taken my career aspirations to a more global level. I hope to teach abroad after I graduate in May and then hope to enter graduate school for international relations or immediately try and get a job in diplomacy or foreign relations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very fair. I had a normal amount of homework and did plenty of school work while I was abroad, but I always felt like I could still go out and absorb the culture. The differences in the educational system are not too noticeable at Catho since many of the teachers understand that there are significant differences and compensate accordingly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was amazing! The staff was extremely helpful and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I felt like ISA had so much to offer in terms of their programs and the recommendations of places to go see and things to do. Our home study abroad office was also great. I loved being able to email back and forth with my program director and she kept me feeling comfortable about every aspect of the trip, including how the academic records would be handled at home. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an apartment in the perfect location, right by Notre Dame in the Latin Quarter of Paris. It was a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute Metro to class and I didn't have to buy sheets or cookware, all the necessities were provided. I lived the good life! |
| * Food: |
French food is the best! I'm not a picky eater, so I can't particularly comment on dietary restrictions, but I loved eating French food. If you get a chance and want to splurge just a little, La Petite Perigourdine on Rue des Ecoles (I think, it may be Rue Saint Jacques) has the best food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nuit Blanche where many famous buildings have art displays is a really unique experience. Also, arranged by ISA, the Normandy trip is unforgettable! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe and taken care of by ISA staff and didn't have any significant health problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not need to use the host language every day, but I did. I went abroad speaking very little French and my French after was exponentially better. I spoke French with ISA staff, with my roommate and with people I would encounter in daily life in Paris (ie: staff at various stores). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to work hard and have the most amazing time of your life. Don't be afraid to travel or try new things. A student who would benefit from this program is anyone studying humanities and particularly interested in European culture. |
