Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning about France and Myself Past Review

By (Mathematics, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

Université Paris Cité: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about French language aand culture. I also learned that I do not enjoy long-term travel, so will likely not be participating in a similar program in the future. Overall I think it was good that I went, and that it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My primary contact at University of Paris 7 - Diderot spoke English poorly, which combined with my initally poor mastery of French made my immersion into the university a little bumpy. Also, the differences between the US system and the French system (regarding tests, grading, and so forth).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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 was an extremely expensive place to live, and I had to look for private tutoring opportunities in order to meet my rent some months.

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

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The architecture of Paris
  • My church in Paris
* What could be improved?
  • Informing the students of the details of the foreign system
  • More communication regarding the requirements of the classes to be taken
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that the French system operates on a system of "passed tests per semester" so that I could have taken more classes and gotten more opportunities to pass classes or drop classes I was unready for.

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!