Paris- Take me back ! Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Oswego: Paris - La Sorbonne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
- it was absolutely rewarding and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Who would not want to spend five months in the beautiful city of Paris, surrounded by such friendly people? I have learned many new things about a very interesting culture, and have experienced things that many people do not experience in their whole lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt everything was based on a fair system, no complaints. - Teachers were very nice and entertaining.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

She was such a friendly lady that really did try to help us adjust to the French culture. The only fault of would say she had was that she didn't arrange a sufficient amount of tours and events for us to do together.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

-Very chic neighborhood located by many tourist attractions. - Quiet and safe - Friendly neighbors

* Food:

I dined every night at the dorm, and I ate breakfast their as well. I would eat lunch on the go between my classes because that was most convenient.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

-Trip to Normandy and Champagne ( did Champagne testing ) - Went to the ballet - Visited the Moulin Rouge

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

-City was safe during the day but just like any other major city you have to be smart. -Health care wasn't really stressed when I was there, but lucky for me I never really worry because I do not get sick often.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I do not remember the actual price, but I will estimate that it was around 100 Euros at the least.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write down everything you buy! Money is spent so fast and so easily that sooner or later you have spent 1000 euros without even realizing. Paris is very expensive for anyone looking to go there, so be aware !

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I lived in an international foyer, so I practiced with the girls I lived with. I practiced mainly with all of my teachers because every single one of my classes was conducted in French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • International Students