Fabulous Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The french university culture and norms demand very little from the students, depending on the discipline. Compared to university classes in the US, there was very little accountability in the Paris 1 classrooms. Many of my french peers didn't attend the 1x/week classes, would arrive late, and/or wouldn't have completed any work since the prior week. Studio classes did have 3-6 hours of open studio hours, so with some motivation it was possible to do a lot of my work independently (without an professor present). The Centre Madeleine seminar class was more rigorous, and the professor's standards were made clear early in the semester. The work-ethic of students on average was generally higher (than in Paris 1 classes), as all the students were American. Although the language class at the Centre Madeleine had a lot of assignments, the class itself was not difficult (below my skill level).

On-site administration of your program

The staff at the Centre Madeleine were always friendly, available, and happy to help. As some were American ex-pats, they were especially suited to helping us adjust to Parisian culture.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Really enjoyed my host family and location (10th arrondisement). I learned a lot about french culture with my family, and definitely benefited from the language immersion.

Although the French have high opinions about food, it turns out they're not all fantastic chefs. Dinners with the host family were simple but good, and we never missed a fruit and cheese course at the end of the meal. I found it imperative to pack my own lunch during the week, as eating out was too expensive.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I knew my way around Paris, by metro and by foot, by the end of the semester. Although the French were able to identify me as a foreigner because of my accent, they didn't necessarily assume I was American. I was comfortable walking into any conversation in french, and felt like I fit in (the all-black wardrobe helped). I really enjoyed spending time with french university students, and was able to pick slang and learn about youth culture from them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I caught a heavy cold and/or a flu in February. Compared to the US, where you get most cold/flu drugs off the shelf, in France you speak directly to the pharmacist about your symptoms. I found this very helpful when navigating medicines in my 2nd language. However, while you can buy an all-in-one flu medicine in the US, I had to take 3-4 different french medications, which was onerous. The french medications, even when combined, where not as strong as medication you might find in the US (i.e. I couldn't go about my day normally on the french meds). While I understand that F.D.A.-approved drugs aren't necessarily the best option in the world, it was really difficult to feel sick/tired/unable to function for almost 3 full weeks in Paris. I wasn't able to fully function again until I bought an all-in-one cold med while visiting the UK.

The only times I didn't feel safe was when I was walking home on the large boulevards late at night. These avenues were heavily populated by intoxicated men that frequently urinated in public. Growing up in NYC, I was generally very comfortable in Paris. I quickly figured out the metro, and know how to not draw attention to myself.

I got to study the visual arts in Paris - which is what one should do when in Paris. I also ate approx. 1 baguette/day. Can't complain.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Cheapest when I cooked/prepped lunch to take with me. Was not affordable to eat out for every lunch. Usually cooked or ate with host family for dinner.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We signed a language pledge

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

• My host family's cat
• Classmates (french and american)
• Language immersion

• language class offerings at Centre Madeleine
• The success of the program is also it's downfall - with so many americans on the program, it's easy to only spend time with your american classmates
• Add cats to the Centre Madeleine

The Outright Urbanite