Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris an Unforgettable Adventure!!!! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Florida Gulf Coast University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/09/2014 with

KEI Abroad in Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to trust my judgement and grew a lot as a person. I loved Paris and would do anything to go back!

Review Photos

Knowledge Exchange Institute: Paris - American Business School Photo

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.

The classes were integrated with English and French students which was a great experience. The professors were very helpful and the classes had just the right amount of challenge.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely loved Daniel. She is kind and quirky. She loved taking us out to eat and telling us all about the French way of life. She was very approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a spacious apartment in the 17 district. The apartment was in a good neighborhood, very safe. My only complaint was the host mom. We didn't get along but I would still recommend living with a host family. There is no substitute for cultural immersion.

* Food:

Baguettes, croissants, croque monsieur, chocolate, macarons....can I say anything else?? The food was incredible... wish I could go back!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the culture. A couple days a week I went to the boulangerie and after the first couple of weeks the store owner knew my order and would ask me how I am. It was fun feeling like a real parisian!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got sick while I was abroad. There were no vaccinations I needed before hand.

* Safety:

Paris is extremely safe as long as you take the right pro cautions. The biggest thing is pit-pocketing. Do NOT walk around with your phone in your hand or visible to anyone.

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)

It was easy as long as you stuck to the budget. I mean you can easily exceed but just stick to it!!!

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

When out with our program director she always encouraged us to speak French! Even when out with friends we would take five minutes and only talk in French. It was tiring but fun!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate French
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not be afraid to speak the language, all the time! Even if it is not perfect, it is just important to practice as much as possible!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how many students were in the program.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!