Paris exchange- an independent experience Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., The University of Texas at Austin) for

MICEFA: Paris - Study Abroad at University of Paris - Sorbonne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was definitely worth while. I would never have done anything but an exchange program. I feel the others are just like going to UT but in a different country. To me, that would not have been the authentic experience I was looking for. It also gave me the chance to travel Europe cheaply and make good friends from all over- including some of the ERASMUS exchange students.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Paris 3, La Sorbonne Nouvelle
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 grading system is definitely very different and something that takes some time to adjust to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found the MICEFA office to be very helpful for the most part, from finding housing to asking questions about most anything. The problems I had were with the exchange university's administration. Practically nothing is done on-line and finding help or answers can be difficult.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The first semester I rented a room in a professor's apartment. I found him through FUSAC. I found it a bit difficult living with a quiet, older man so I found a roommate in one of my university classes. This was a better arrangement because we were the same age. I liked the location of both apartments, one was in the 13th and one in the 15th. I enjoyed being more on the outskirts of the city because things were a bit cheaper and there were less tourists. I was still close to many things and not too far from school. I had to buy a few things- but I found my futon and desk for very cheap on Craig's List Paris.

* Food:

I love the food in Paris. It's is fantastic and doesn't have to be expensive. I ate more bread products than I do normally. Crepe stands and bakeries are a good option for lunch.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Traveling within Europe can be cheap if you book in advance and use airlines like Ryanair and Easy Jet. I was able to travel to many places. The universities are liberal with vacation time! There's always something to do in Paris, so being bored is a choice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I got sick a few times but never had too much trouble. If you go to the pharmacy, just describe your systems to the pharmacist and they will tell you what medicine you need. It's pretty cheap in comparison to the US. As for safety, just always be aware of your purse and bags. I know people that were pick pocketed and have heard stories about people being hassled.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Going out (dinner, drinks) is what I found to be the most expensive aspect.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Literature 326L
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I lived in two different places, both times with a native French speaker. I think this is the best way to get frequent French practice, and learn the way natives speak. There are websites for finding roommates, such as colocation.fr- but I believe there is a small fee. I did use French every day but I found that many people did speak English. I think it's because Paris is such big, diverse city. When someone hears your accent they may "English you" by answering you in English, but just continue to speak to them in French and they should get the message!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to things not being the way you are used to them- especially when it comes to the exchange university. Be persistent when you need information, and you will be fine. Be independent and try to figure things out on your own- it's the best way to meet people and learn the language. Talk to the locals!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Les francais à travers le film

Course Department: Micefa course
Instructor: Poisson
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Fun!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Historia del Arte

Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Botella
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Good class all around
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Histoire culturelle

Course Department: Mediation culturelle
Instructor: Bertho-Lavenir
Instruction Language: French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Grammar avancé

Course Department: Micefa course
Instructor: Nosenko
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Some repetition of things I had already learned, but helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Le Monde Arabe

Course Department: Micefa course
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Interesting class, but not very challenging. Good speakers!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Literature des diaboliques

Course Department: Literature
Instructor: Didderot
Instruction Language: French
Comments: I enjoyed the class, but the readings were difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Civilization de America Latina

Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Gomez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Unorganized, but interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: I received credit from the Spanish department.