Past Review

By (Sociology, French, Communications & Media Studies, Tufts University) for

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Paris

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I gained fabulous written and verbal communications skills, got to know what i now consider to be my favorite city, and made a ton of friends who I am still friends with on campus now!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sorbonne
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The in-house courses I took through Tufts were excellent. However, due to a French academic strike, we were prohibited from taking any courses at the Sorbonne (I was planning on taking 2), which was rather unfortunate, but largely out of Tufts' control.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a family of four outside of Paris in Neuilly. <br /><br /> I lived with a family. The two children (who were my age and older) were fairly cold to me and hardly welcoming. The parents were friendlier, and definitely helped me improve my french (we ate dinner together 5 nights a week)

* Food:

it's France. nuff said.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love the French's way of life: so simple!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

the healthcare system in France is fabulous.

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 spent probably 200 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you live in a host family, take advantage of eating meals at home! Eating dinner at home saves so much money. Go to clubs on student nights or ladies nights to avoid paying ridiculous cover charges.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I would say a lot of my improvement was due to living with a host family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to make French friends from the very beginning!! it will improve your experience immensely.