Institut Catholique de Paris

It was a fantastic experience. Anyone who intends on majoring or minoring in a language should take the opportunity to live in a country that uses that language as its native tongue. There were many occasions where my communication skills were hindered and I found getting my point across was difficult but, it taught me to express myself in other ways, which is invaluable. It also forces you to really think about what you're saying and what views you have on the world as well as who you are as a person. Expect to grow.

If the program had been geared more towards integrating foreign students with native Parisians, then I think that we would have better opportunities to achieve a fluency in French. It is difficult communicating with those who are struggling and grappling with the language as well. The reason I still feel comfortable with the language is through friends whom I practice with (not met through the program.)

I think my language skills improved a lot from living with a host family. The host university further honed my grammar skills. Yet a lot of people speak English in Paris, so my French perhaps did not improve as much as it could have.

I feel comfortable in France and cannot wait to go back.

my language skills improved considerably

It was overall very positive