Studying in Paris was not only about learning but also about exploring and experiencing! Past Review

By (Media Management, Promotion, and Sales, Illinois State University) for

Novancia Business School Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to make important decisions on my own. This is seriously a once in a life time experience. You are not just a tourist of France, you get to experience the lifestyle of being a resident and student in a foreign country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Since it is only a month long you donĀ“t learn as much as classes at Illinois State University. The grading system is about the same.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood seem safe. I wish that we would of been informed to bring dish soap, hand soap, and dish and hand towels because they were not provided for us. Also maybe advise students to bring a few zip lock bags or chip clips to keep things fresh.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed all trips the program provided. We went all over but somethings I enjoyed doing on my own were going to the Arc de Triumpe, Eiffel Tower, a Haunted Ghost Tour, and visiting other countries. These countries were Melaga Spain, Zurich Switzerland, and Rome Italy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never go anywhere alone at night especially after drinking! I did not really have to deal with the health care system while there.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 dollars a week. Sometimes I was under budget and saved that for gifts at the end.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saw a lot of my friends not budget their money well and spend all there money in the beginning and then had to miss out on some great stuff at the end. Everything is very expensive there and do not forget if something seems cheap, it might not be that cheap do to the Dollar and Euro exchange rate.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As stated above, make sure to budget if you only bring a certain amount of money. Also this a program who wants to experience Europe without leaving for a whole semester.