Past Review
By Kaitlin V (Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Paris - Language and African American Music
Yes, it allowed me to see and experience Paris first hand and to observe the culture and way of life. Even if it was such a short trip, it was still amazing to simply go and to see that it does exist, and that people are living there and speaking French every day of their lives rather than just practicing it in a classroom.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My trip was a short-term program as a 1 credit course, and only lasted 9 days. Hence, we did not have a huge workload, just several interesting and beneficial activities. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostel was in a very good location in close proximity to many stores, restaurants, etc. It was very basic, but decent. |
| * Food: |
Food is available everywhere, there is a good variety, and it's fantastic. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
When not occupied with group activities, we had opportunities to do as we pleased and experience the culture for ourselves. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt fairly safe, you have to be careful just like any other city especially at night, but there is not a huge threat. |
| 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? | For the whole week I spent around 360 euros but that includes all of my food, personal expenses, and souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend wisely, don't blow it all in one place. Also try not to splurge on expensive food every meal, because that can really add up. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
With such a short program, there wasn't a lot of opportunity to practice and improve our French skills with the Parisians, and many people do speak English. But I do feel that my confidence and ability to understand and communicate in French did improve a lot. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
