Sophie's Fabulously Eye-Opening French Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While in Paris, I took 2 courses at Université Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne which were fairly difficult, mainly because of the language challenge. I also took 3 courses with Middlebury in Paris, all in French, which were also fairly difficult, but because there was more work. I had such amazing experiences with these classes and gained a lot of really valuable knowledge from my educational abroad experience.

On-site administration of your program

Middlebury in Paris program is a very well established and thorough program. I always felt like I was supported by the administration and whenever I had a question or concern, they were very willing to help me out. Highly recommend their Paris program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved living in the very center of Paris. It was the best part of my Paris experience. I was definitely lonely, often, though. My host mother was rarely home and only cooked for me once per week for a Saturday brunch. I wish I had been able to connect with a host mother more. The bedroom, however, was absolutely tiny and very sparse. I would not like to sleep on that bed ever again.

Food in Paris is the best in the world.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to connect with French family friends and other French students at the university which was a great experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt very safe. Middlebury equipped us with a safety training and also applications for our location/safety in potential situations of emergency.

I absolutely loved Middlebury in Paris. There were times when I sorely missed home and Bowdoin, but that is only because I also love Bowdoin so much that I wanted to be in my two favorite places at once. The education I received was awesome and my language skills are incredibly advanced in comparison to before Paris, which was my top goal. I took in the beautiful sights of Europe and lived a true, vivid and authentic experience.

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

Paris is very expensive! I am grateful to be have been able to be supported by my parents.

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

We signed a language-binding pledge to keep the whole semester.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• living directly in city center
• friends made
• new language skills

• better host family, but great location
• not taking 5 courses for bowdoin's credit transfer
• if my friends had also lived near me

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer