Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Whirlwind Semester in Paris Past Review

By (University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) - abroad from 01/09/2018 to 04/15/2018 with

SAI Study Abroad: Paris - American University of Paris (AUP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience has been priceless to me. I learned so much about myself in my ability to overcome obstacles, be independent, and stick up for what I think and believe in. As a business student, I also learned a few hard lessons in international business, managing diversity, and cultural sensitivities.

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.

The global education that I received from SAI and my experience is beyond amazing. In terms of my academic educational experience, the French system felt less rigorous than in the United States, but their standards were very different which made the time in the classroom a little confusing and frustrating.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jennifer at the SAI office in Paris is amazing! She is so kind and always willing to help, day or night!

* 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:

Paris is a large and diverse city, which means that there is always the risk of theft or some kind of criminal activity. However, I never had any problems with safety and I never felt uncomfortable walking home at night. If you are self-aware and smart about it, you will never have any problems.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Paris is an expensive city, so you just have to be mindful of your spending! I made a budget and tracked my spending in Excel, which helped me stay accountable for my spending habits.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 SAI staff and their support
  • The local cultural experiences
  • My authentic Parisian apartment
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the host school, the program, and myself
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how simply the French live and how simply I would end up living. I have a really bad habit of overpacking and owning too much stuff, and I have only used about half of what I brought!

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!