Great city, but practically difficult Past Review
By A student (Economics, French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Loved Paris, improved my French somewhat, great cultural activities, chance to travel to neighbouring countries, sense of independence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Similar level of academics, with some slightly different formats for evaluation and a focus on presentations. Was not a fan of my one large lecture course, but the rest of the smaller classes were enjoyable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Slow and inefficient, hard to get anything done on time. I did not receive my student card until halfway through the semester for example. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Neither institution gave much help in finding housing, it was very difficult to arrange. I ended up living in three different locations during the four months, which was an interesting experience but immensely troublesome and not something I would like to repeat. |
| * Food: |
Cafeteria fine for lunch, usually had to cook for dinner. Good cafes and restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had to make some effort to get to know locals. Cultural events widely available and advertised. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Over the counter medication for cold easy to obtain and quite effective. Did not have other more serious health concerns, was not given much information about what to do if I did. |
| * Safety: |
Generally safe, feels less so in outer arrondissements. Careful of pickpockets and con men in tourist areas. |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Much of the practical information that would make the start much easier, clear instructions on registration, housing, metro card, cell phone, etc. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
