Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Magnifique! Past Review

By (French and Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 01/01/2017 to 06/01/2017 with

MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at University of Paris east Créteil / Paris 12

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile because it expanded your horizon of different cultures.

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.

I have studied French at UPEC in Créteil, and the rigor of the progam was moderate because the faculty knew that I was an international student. Additionally, my first language is English, and the international program found different ways to remove the language barrier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program could have been better that what I experienced. Because this was the most affordable option, there were things that were missing from the experience. However, I had managed to survive and to persevere through it all.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was pleased with my living arrangements because I had lived with a French family, during my residence in Paris. Additionally, they were engaging and accomadating to me because they have invited me to family dinners with their adult children and to church gatherings. However, the only issue would be the cost of living, which became quite expensive around the end of my stay. This was due to the fact that financial aid was running low.

* Food:

The food was delicious, but the portion size can be small and expensive. It is best to know how to cook, so you could save money. Also, there are so many bakeries that you will be BAKED OUT! Lol

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At school, there is a very young adult culture that you will be able to fit right in. However, some groups of people can be cliquish, so it may be challenging to create friends outside the classroom. Fortunately, you can forge strong relationships with the students, and they may not be native Parisians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health care system is interesting. The medicine is a lot different from what I was used to in the USA. However, the doctors are always there to help, with a copay of 20-30 euros per visit.

* Safety:

It was relatively safe in Paris. However, make sure that you are on your way home by 11pm because the subway systems close around 12am-1am on weekdays and weekends. Unless you have money for an Uber or have a car, I suggest you get home before midnight. Additionally, there are night buses that are available, but those are there for those who party late or who have arrived in Paris past 12am.

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

It is the most affordable, but there are other programs that may be worthwhile

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 not easy because Paris is expensive, and if you like to buy new clothes to keep up in fashinon, then you will spending a lot. Know that the Euro has more value than the USD, so take heed as to what you find important and what is not.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-60 Euros for food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook your own food in order to save a lot of money. Also, buy clothes and things that are on sale because they are sales that occur seasonally.

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

Parlez français toujours!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4000 level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to documentaries in French, watch movies in French in French subtitles, read French books, have a French friend or instructor to tutor you in French.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The City of Paris
  • The People of Paris
  • The Traveling To Other Cities
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of MICEFA
  • MICEFA'S contact with the different school curriculum
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a lot more French; It would have made my experience a lot more enjoyable

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!