Past Review
By Rachel C (human development family studies, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) for
Penn State Altoona: Paris - Language and African American Music
Going to Paris has always been a dream of mine and having the opportunity to do it was incredible. I had the most amazing experience and I wouldn't change a thing. All of the activities planned (cooking class, trips to museums, scavenger hunts etc.) were well thought out and really helped get us involved with the French culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My french improved a lot! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Claire and Zora had great activities planned, we were never bored and we always had something fun to do |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I didn't know what to expect while staying in a hostel, but it was a friendly and clean environment. |
| * Food: |
not as many vegetarian options as I would like but overall everything was delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone on the trip got along so well and it was a great experience |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We were in a very safe part of Paris and Claire and Zora made sure they knew where we were at all times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speaking with Parisians forced me to use as much French as possible. Those activities probably helped me the most |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Penn State Altoona offers an amazing trip to Paris. The instructors were great, the food was delicious, and the friends made are unforgettable. Go into everything with an open mind and don't be afraid to speak the language. Get as involved with the culture as you can. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity! |
