Not great- go somewhere else for cheaper and better art/language education Past Review

By (Wheaton College) - abroad from 08/28/0013 to 12/15/0013 with

Paris College of Art: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learn how to be independent, fend for myself. It was definitely worthwhile- now I feel like I can pick up and move to any city by myself.

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.

Overall good education- great professors and decent course options considering the size of the school

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pretty poor administration- the school had just moved buildings and the first few weeks were a disaster. Orientation was chaos, there a schedule but it was rarely adhered to. Financial aid office was a pain, and so was my "advising" for choosing classes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found my own housing, despite the school's promise to help me out. I arrived without a living situation because it's nearly impossible to secure housing without being in Paris first. I eventually got an admissions officer to help me, after a few days of worrying and emailing the school.

* Food:

The school has no cafeteria or even an area to eat- except for a few jenky vending machines and a microwave that may or may not work. The neighborhood does have decent options to grab lunch, including a few grocery stores in walking distance.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very difficult for me to meet people- I was one of very few Americans studying abroad. I went through orientation with all the freshman, which was not a pleasant experience. I had to meet people in my classes, which only met a few times a week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easy enough- paid the few fees (around $200) during my first week of orientation

* Safety:

Paris is great, you just learn which areas to avoid (especially at night). I lived with a host family, which ended up being a great experience, but it was annoying to have to walk home by myself at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Paris is definitely NOT a cheap city to survive in. Food prices add up, especially because I wanted to try authentic food while I was there. But totally worth it, wine and food there are amazing

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$150

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

I took classes in French, and they did offer free tutoring outside class. But it was really my responsibility to put in the effort

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level college course
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take more classes in French and take advantage of the free tutoring. Talk to people as much as you can in French even if it's daunting.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Support
  • Study abroad excursions
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? there are not many french students at the school- I heard a lot of German, Swiss, Russian, etc being spoken rather than French. I could have pushed myself to have done a french program where all the my classes would have been in French to actually improve my language skills.

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!