great experience, that was slightly marred by french administration Past Review

By (Humanities, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/18/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
very worthwhile, learned so much about other cultures and was able to see so many things

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Was certainly rigorous, although the instructors were not as helpful as I was used to, weren't as many resources available on campus

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Was very difficult to get anything done due to french administration

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

loved my roommates, hated our landlord and the actual apartment. had mold, two of the beds were broken upon our arrival, etc.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

we lived in a very residential area and had lots of exposure to parisian culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

had no experience with healthcare

* Safety:

felt safe at all times

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 extremely expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? rent can vary greatly depending on where you live and who you are renting from!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? high school french
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? speak it as much as possible while you are there! even if you know you're wrong!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • meeting many new people
  • classes only met once a week
* What could be improved?
  • helping students find living arrangements
  • preparing students more for the grading differences in france
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? paris is expensive and french people can be either extremely rude or very hellpful

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.