Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pastry class in Le Cordon Bleu- Paris Past Review

By (Le Cordon Bleu) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 03/23/2018 with

Le Cordon Bleu: Paris - Culinary Arts and Hospitality Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Seeing many Pastry shops inspired me a lot and the school’s recipe is very delicious.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Mostly focus on Demonstrations and practicing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got the home stay with Atome company from Le Cordon Bleu’s brochure The three months cost is 2,856 euro for the host family and 600 euro for Atomes. They provides the place that very close to school, just 5 minuets for taking a bus and when you want to cancel or move out they help you calculate the refund and email the amount of refund to you and the host. The reason I rate this low because I found later that you can rent your own apartment with this money. And you can get the better place, bigger space, more convenient. The furnished studio apartment in Paris cost around 800-1300 euro. If you have a roommate will cost less. Recommend website: “Parisattitude.com or lodges.com”

* Food:

I am not a fan of French cuisine. The host made French dinner from the box and frozen products such as pizza, pasta. I have salad, baguette everyday. I would rather have dinner outside. The in Paris normally cost at least 9 euro. If i want to save money I will to buy a baguette sandwich. It cost 6 euro.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not many people can speak English, so you need to learn French from your country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You need to have some vaccinations or physical exams for some type of visa. Buy health insurance and travel insurance from your country.

* Safety:

Very safe, there are many soldiers with weapons walk and stand around Paris. When you go to the shopping mall, you have to open you bag for the security guard to check inside.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I come here to study with theses expert chefs and I pay for techniques that I will receive from chefs.

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)

At least $300/ week for foods.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everything in Paris is expensive. Bring all necessary stuffs with you. I have to pay 13 euro for an umbrella while it cost just $6 in the US. The regular price for umbrella is 25 euro. For brand name one cost 99 euro.

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

The chefs speak French and the translator speak American English.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? I learn from YouTube and language application.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Techniques from chefs.
  • Good recipes
* What could be improved?
  • It it expensive course.
  • No refund if you drop the class.
  • No practice place after class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will not get money back if you decide to drop a class later.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.