Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Just go, Paris is amazing Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Perspective, not just the typical "broadening horizons" deal but I realized how similar people are across countries.

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.

You'll work hard at times, but there is also plenty of downtime.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of France in general is lacking.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got a great deal living in the 7th. Paris is great, so what's not to like. I suggest getting temporary housing first so you can figure out where you'd really like to live.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They offer plenty of opportunities to mix it up with the locals, it helps if you can speak French.

* 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? 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)

Paris is EXPENSIVE. Prepare to spend 100 Euros a week

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • City
  • Friends
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Living expenses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Speaking French is critical to immersing in the local culture. I wish I had taken more time to gain intermediate proficiency before I went. Regardless, you'll meet plenty of great people and practically everyone speaks English.

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 Urbanite
A 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.