Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a Lifetime - Paris-Sorbonne University Past Review

By (International Business & French, Saginaw Valley State University) - abroad from 06/06/2011 to 07/14/2011 with

Sorbonne University: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I learned a lot about patiences and accepting cultural differences. I also learned a lto about the EU. If I could do it again I think I would pick a different city in France just to get a bit more language exposure and see authentic French life outside of the big city.

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.

I really thought this program challenged me in terms of adaptability. I had courses that taught me how to deal with various types of people as well as new information about how Europe is different from that of the U.S. in terms of business standards and processes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was great. We lived in an 17th century apartment right in the heart of Paris. We were provided with a furnished apartment that was even equipped with cable t.v. and wireless internet. That was great for keeping in contact with friends and family back home without having to use a public computer.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Short term summer programs tend to give you less exposure to the local students simply because they are not on a normal class semester. I had great contact with other study abroad students but not many locals. I did, however, have contact with the local culture through my on-site coordinator. She showed me around the city and explained some cultural differences that I did not understand.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Overall, I felt safe in Paris. Panrimo situated me in an area that I felt comfortable living in. The biggest issue you may encounter is pickpocking. This is unavoidable in almost all major cities around the world however.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Money is dependent upon spending style. I opted for an apartment which meant no meals included. This increased my costs. I also wanted to get out in the city and see things like musums and such. This adds expenses. If you had to work on a budget, you could but it would be difficult.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not sure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a water bottle and fill it, espicially when siteseeing. They really get you with 3, 4 and 5 euro bottles of water.

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?
  • Awesome support from Staff
  • Great Apartment
  • Feeling Challenged and Learning to Adapt.
* What could be improved?
  • Professors teaching courses
  • Hidden fees from School
  • Orientation process upon arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.