Institut Catholique de Paris

The representation of students from over a hundred countries was breathtaking and quite interesting, indeed. However, since it was a summer course, there really was no interaction at all with native Parisian students. I did not have the opportunity to practice my French with many natives.

A summer abroad program is not enough. It merely whetted my appetite. Striving for more, I set off for my own wondrous journey throughout France and the rest of Europe. A few years later, I came back to do a work exchange program in London. Now that I am finally finished, I am interested in pursuing German, by working in Zurich, hopefully, in a field geared towards social change.

Courses with natives are sometimes a bit dry compared to US coursework. Interesting but not as intensive though, when you have so much to do and so much going on around you it's worth not being so involved. Language courses are typically three hours for four days and are very intensive but incredibly useful. Your French will improve greatly and the teachers are very helpful and nice, compared to the general French attitude on teaching.

I would have liked more involvment with the local students. It isn't like a typical campus, it's more of a location to study and then leave...somewhat job like which wasn't a problem.

I didn't experience courses other than language courses. I didn't have any interaction with local students and felt the grammar course did not challenge me enough. I spoke with my instructor and he tried to challenge me in the course more, but I regret not taking a higher level course.

More interaction with local students, better placement tests

The oral expression class and phonetics were my favourite.

International students are in a separate building than the rest of the French students, so it was harder to make French friends.

There weren't many choices. It would be good to give students at least one of their top choices.

better explanation of the french system

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