Study Abroad Paris--Our experience and a thank you
Sep 11th, 2011, 07:15 AM
#21
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Annhig, your Italy story is exactly what I had known. I'm very involved in an international group here in the US, and even some of the "nice" host families I know here are rather questionable in their willingness to provide goods, services, or personal warmth. I did not give my daughter my input--I wasn't going there--but luckily she had heard enough horror stories to make an educated decision.
She is a finance/accounting major, annhig. You know the type, she was pulling the restaurant check to towards her to add up the numbers when she was still in the sucking-your-thumb stage.
She didn't get it from me!
She was really tempted to do her study abroad in London because the school finance programs partnered with her school were VERY top notch, and therefore she'd actually gain extra credits and prestige rather than have to fight to get credits.
However, she knew she'd be working the rest of her life from this coming summer to forever, and this Paris abroad placement was the last chance to get the language skills she's been exploring for so many years, from elementary school through sophomore year in college. So given that she's never goofed off and was not going to France for a club scene, my husband and I were certainly willing to underwrite this last adventure in terms of rent.
She is a finance/accounting major, annhig. You know the type, she was pulling the restaurant check to towards her to add up the numbers when she was still in the sucking-your-thumb stage.
She didn't get it from me!
She was really tempted to do her study abroad in London because the school finance programs partnered with her school were VERY top notch, and therefore she'd actually gain extra credits and prestige rather than have to fight to get credits.
However, she knew she'd be working the rest of her life from this coming summer to forever, and this Paris abroad placement was the last chance to get the language skills she's been exploring for so many years, from elementary school through sophomore year in college. So given that she's never goofed off and was not going to France for a club scene, my husband and I were certainly willing to underwrite this last adventure in terms of rent.
Sep 11th, 2011, 07:33 AM
#22
well, the best of luck to her. a few months in Paris can never be wasted, and who knows how this experience may help her in her future career?
the business of the two other students was made worse because they came together to the language school as they taught at the same school and there was a distinct rivalry between them, despite their "friendship". this led to a certain "frisson" between them as I'm sure you can imagine!
i'm undecided as to whether I would stay with a family if I repeat the language school experience
the business of the two other students was made worse because they came together to the language school as they taught at the same school and there was a distinct rivalry between them, despite their "friendship". this led to a certain "frisson" between them as I'm sure you can imagine!
i'm undecided as to whether I would stay with a family if I repeat the language school experience
Sep 11th, 2011, 08:01 AM
#23
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Fascinating to read the details of your experience, AZ - thank you for sharing them.
DH and I spent the past summer looking over our son's shoulder as he set up postgraduate studies and full-time internship in London (he recently earned undergraduate degree in finance and "studied abroad" at LSE).
It seemed to us as though his work visa coordination, etc. were chaotic, but your situation truly puts them in perspective - besides highlighting areas we never considered. Who knew so many "home placements" do not work out well?
Thank you for the enlightening post, and well done!!
DH and I spent the past summer looking over our son's shoulder as he set up postgraduate studies and full-time internship in London (he recently earned undergraduate degree in finance and "studied abroad" at LSE).
It seemed to us as though his work visa coordination, etc. were chaotic, but your situation truly puts them in perspective - besides highlighting areas we never considered. Who knew so many "home placements" do not work out well?
Thank you for the enlightening post, and well done!!
Sep 12th, 2011, 02:43 AM
#24
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Thank you, Jespere. I hope your son has a lovely experience.
Annhig--your description of that scenario reminds me of the disparity when we did short-term student exchanges (three weeks) between our high school with a school in England.
My daughter moved to the living room couch for the duration, giving our guest her bedroom, thus allowing our guest not only sleeping privacy but also the sole use of one bathroom. We took our exchange student to see NYC and DC on weekends, made sure we stocked up our pantry with her favorite breakfast items and snacks, and held a dinner in her honor.
I'd say our treatment of our guest for this stay was the norm for most of the families in the program. But...
...her sister on a later exchange got stuck with a family who put her in the basement in a not-so-finished gameroom. Her bed was the gameroom couch (and not the sleeper version!), and the family dog was so unhappy his prime sleeping spot had been taken, he would stand over her growling at night. She was expected to use the hall powder room upstairs on the main floor as her bathroom and was to take showers in the master bedroom bathroom by appt only.
I think she would not have been so unhappy had her sister and others not been treated so darn well. The disparity was the kicker.
Annhig--your description of that scenario reminds me of the disparity when we did short-term student exchanges (three weeks) between our high school with a school in England.
My daughter moved to the living room couch for the duration, giving our guest her bedroom, thus allowing our guest not only sleeping privacy but also the sole use of one bathroom. We took our exchange student to see NYC and DC on weekends, made sure we stocked up our pantry with her favorite breakfast items and snacks, and held a dinner in her honor.
I'd say our treatment of our guest for this stay was the norm for most of the families in the program. But...
...her sister on a later exchange got stuck with a family who put her in the basement in a not-so-finished gameroom. Her bed was the gameroom couch (and not the sleeper version!), and the family dog was so unhappy his prime sleeping spot had been taken, he would stand over her growling at night. She was expected to use the hall powder room upstairs on the main floor as her bathroom and was to take showers in the master bedroom bathroom by appt only.
I think she would not have been so unhappy had her sister and others not been treated so darn well. The disparity was the kicker.
Sep 12th, 2011, 03:26 AM
#25
I hope your daughter is familiar with this useful website: http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/
Sep 12th, 2011, 05:33 AM
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I wish we had had that link, kerouac! I've enjoyed reading through it, and some things are clearer. Her landlord kept telling her she could apply for housing assistance from the French government, which we could not believe. But now I see that she was both right and wrong.
You did a service by posting this, by the way, and that is one of the reasons I started this thread: I could not believe that this forum had so few entries regarding study abroad situations, particularly ones in Paris.
Things I noted right away...
Housing Assistance-My daughter will not be staying long enough--and won't get her carte de sejour in time--to really benefit. But I'd say any student who is staying at least six months or more should follow up.
Insurance--We could have gotten something for 10 Euros? Darn.
Finding an Accomodation: Their page is extremely clear. As indicated above, I was in shock about their asking me to show bank statements or my husband's salary receipts. How helpful it would have been to have had this clarity before we dove in.
As I said right when I started writing, I just do not understand how her otherwise EXCELLENT US school can employ a full-time study abroad coordinator who did 0 coordination for the students. I received a ton of information about "required" insurance (two types--emergency and health) for Study Abroad kids, which we all know will be useless.
The Paris coordinator does not seem to be on task either. I told my daughter I intend to apply for either post the day she gets back here
Again, thanks, Kerouac--this is exactly the type of information kids and parents need. I will post links to AUP information, too, and I will also post my daughter's packing list as soon as I get a few moments.
You did a service by posting this, by the way, and that is one of the reasons I started this thread: I could not believe that this forum had so few entries regarding study abroad situations, particularly ones in Paris.
Things I noted right away...
Housing Assistance-My daughter will not be staying long enough--and won't get her carte de sejour in time--to really benefit. But I'd say any student who is staying at least six months or more should follow up.
Insurance--We could have gotten something for 10 Euros? Darn.
Finding an Accomodation: Their page is extremely clear. As indicated above, I was in shock about their asking me to show bank statements or my husband's salary receipts. How helpful it would have been to have had this clarity before we dove in.
As I said right when I started writing, I just do not understand how her otherwise EXCELLENT US school can employ a full-time study abroad coordinator who did 0 coordination for the students. I received a ton of information about "required" insurance (two types--emergency and health) for Study Abroad kids, which we all know will be useless.
The Paris coordinator does not seem to be on task either. I told my daughter I intend to apply for either post the day she gets back here
Again, thanks, Kerouac--this is exactly the type of information kids and parents need. I will post links to AUP information, too, and I will also post my daughter's packing list as soon as I get a few moments.
Sep 12th, 2011, 05:50 AM
#27
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My daughter is not attending the American University of Paris (AUP), but we used a lot of their information to get a grip in the absence of any useful help from the US and French so-called coordinators:
Here are two AUP publications:
The Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing (which came out AFTER we leased our apartment and just before we left)--http://www.aup.edu/pdf/Housing/AUP_HousingBrochure.pdf
AUP Pre-Orientation Guide--
http://www.aup.edu/pdf/Admissions/AUP_GettingReady.pdf
This document is better than the previous versons we found earlier in the summer. It has a nice introduction into the CampusFrance/French Visa situation.
And just in case someone has skimmed this post and missed Kerouac's useful link, here it is:
http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/
Note that much of the information is offered in English:
http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/infosp...ign%20Students
Next--packing list...
Here are two AUP publications:
The Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing (which came out AFTER we leased our apartment and just before we left)--http://www.aup.edu/pdf/Housing/AUP_HousingBrochure.pdf
AUP Pre-Orientation Guide--
http://www.aup.edu/pdf/Admissions/AUP_GettingReady.pdf
This document is better than the previous versons we found earlier in the summer. It has a nice introduction into the CampusFrance/French Visa situation.
And just in case someone has skimmed this post and missed Kerouac's useful link, here it is:
http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/
Note that much of the information is offered in English:
http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/infosp...ign%20Students
Next--packing list...
Sep 12th, 2011, 06:21 AM
#28
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Because the Euro to Dollar conversion was so costly, and because FF status allowed us to check luggage for nothing, we took more household goods supplies over than we would have done if the currency exchange would have been even close. As it was, between the two of us, we had just a regular carry-ons per person, one purse per person, plus her two large rolling duffles. I'll give reviews on the luggage later.
Clothing wise, we were unsure about her storage and she was determined to keep it small. The best advice we found regarding packing for Fall to Early Winter semester in Paris was to think of one week in September, and one week in December, and pack for just FOUR days of each of those weeks with everything that one would need, and also think about a weekend in Spain or a stay in a hostel, etc., which might include the need for a bathing suit, a sleep sac, washclothes.
Part I. Everything but clothing (the largest part of her list)
Luggage:
Carryon
Fold-Up Daypack
Good large purse
Wallet type purse
Two rolling duffles (one "flew" back home)
Identity (copies in three ring binder):
― passport*
― visa ofii form*
― passport photos
― extra student id*
― driver’s license*
(*copies will be uploaded online)
― US school required Travel insurance card
― US school required Health insurance card
- "real" health insurance card (family's)
Other Docs for bank, landlord, etc (copies in three ring binder):
― US university enrollment letter*
― French university enrollment letter*
― lease agreement*
― landlord address
― wire transfer receipts*
― apartment insurance receipt*
(*copies were uploaded online)
Health Records
― *scripts for meds
― *Listing of current US doctors
― *Recent Blood Tests
(*copies were uploaded online)
Credit/Debit*
(*copies were uploaded online)
― Financial Summary
ATM/Debit cards----
― CapOne ATM
― CapOne Debit
― Schwab Debit
Credit----
― CapOne Visa
― American Express (Paris velib rental)
Cash
― $100 or more USD
― 100 Euros left over from last trip
Emergency Reference
― printout from US Embassy:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/fr...is-doctors.pdf
Guidebooks/Reference
― Access Paris
― Let’s Go Guide to Paris and/or France
― French dictionary
― Paris map(s)
― informational pages in 3-ring binder
Electronics
― ethernet cable for apt
― iPhone/charger (just kept US number for $10 a month but will not use there as except for mp3 capabilities)
― gsm phone/charger
― earphones
― Kindle/charger
― camera/charger
― laptop/charger
― backup drive (back up before leaving!)
― calculator
---------------------------------
adaptors
― usb adaptors (actually was in apartment)
― wireless router (buy there) actually was in apartment
― power strip (buy there) actually was in apartment
--------------------------------
― flashlight
Prescription and Over the Counter medications
- precriptions with scripts
― Motrin
― Sudafed
― Benadryl
Toiletries
― starter shower soap
― ProActive stuff
― toothbrush with extra head
― toothpaste
― dental floss
― Pantene shampoo
― Pantene conditioner
― Secret deodorant (two)
― tampons
― nail file/clippers
― tweezers
― electric razor
― Venus extra sensitive razors (two packs of three)
― earplugs
― sunscreen
Hair
― comb/brush
― hair ties
― headbands
Makeup
― foundation (two)
― eyeliner
― mascara
― eye shadow
― concealer
― brushes
School Supplies Starter
― journal
― 3 notebooks
― pack of notecards in
― notecard case
― small notebook
― zebra pens
― mechanical pencils
― post-its
― scotch tape
― stapler with staples
― paper clips
― scissors
― rubber bands
Laundry
― delicates mesh wash bag
― Ikea big BLUE bag to carry dirty laundry in
― Color Catchers (2-3)
― Shout Wipes
― blow-up hangers (2)
― stretchy clothesline
― absorbent towels for drying delicates
― regular hangers (4)
― Travel Febreeze
― Resolve Stain Remover
Note: The apartment ended up having a large drying rack in it. Had we known, a lot of the above would have been off the list.
Miscellaneous
― Ziplock bags variety pack
― fold up shopping bags
― Command Strips (about four large, six medium, six tiny)
― extra travel plastic bottles
― deck of cards
― travel alarm
― ear plugs
― umbrella
― poncho
― sunglasses
― small sewing kit
― safety pins
― allergen pillow covers
― sleep sac for hostel stays
― washcloths (2)
― thin beach towel
― pocket Kleenix
― first aid kit
― Brita personal water bottle w filters
Please note that she left her hairdryer home. Turns out the apartment had one, but had it not, she would have just bought one there.
Next: Clothes
Clothing wise, we were unsure about her storage and she was determined to keep it small. The best advice we found regarding packing for Fall to Early Winter semester in Paris was to think of one week in September, and one week in December, and pack for just FOUR days of each of those weeks with everything that one would need, and also think about a weekend in Spain or a stay in a hostel, etc., which might include the need for a bathing suit, a sleep sac, washclothes.
Part I. Everything but clothing (the largest part of her list)
Luggage:
Carryon
Fold-Up Daypack
Good large purse
Wallet type purse
Two rolling duffles (one "flew" back home)
Identity (copies in three ring binder):
― passport*
― visa ofii form*
― passport photos
― extra student id*
― driver’s license*
(*copies will be uploaded online)
― US school required Travel insurance card
― US school required Health insurance card
- "real" health insurance card (family's)
Other Docs for bank, landlord, etc (copies in three ring binder):
― US university enrollment letter*
― French university enrollment letter*
― lease agreement*
― landlord address
― wire transfer receipts*
― apartment insurance receipt*
(*copies were uploaded online)
Health Records
― *scripts for meds
― *Listing of current US doctors
― *Recent Blood Tests
(*copies were uploaded online)
Credit/Debit*
(*copies were uploaded online)
― Financial Summary
ATM/Debit cards----
― CapOne ATM
― CapOne Debit
― Schwab Debit
Credit----
― CapOne Visa
― American Express (Paris velib rental)
Cash
― $100 or more USD
― 100 Euros left over from last trip
Emergency Reference
― printout from US Embassy:
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/fr...is-doctors.pdf
Guidebooks/Reference
― Access Paris
― Let’s Go Guide to Paris and/or France
― French dictionary
― Paris map(s)
― informational pages in 3-ring binder
Electronics
― ethernet cable for apt
― iPhone/charger (just kept US number for $10 a month but will not use there as except for mp3 capabilities)
― gsm phone/charger
― earphones
― Kindle/charger
― camera/charger
― laptop/charger
― backup drive (back up before leaving!)
― calculator
---------------------------------
adaptors
― usb adaptors (actually was in apartment)
― wireless router (buy there) actually was in apartment
― power strip (buy there) actually was in apartment
--------------------------------
― flashlight
Prescription and Over the Counter medications
- precriptions with scripts
― Motrin
― Sudafed
― Benadryl
Toiletries
― starter shower soap
― ProActive stuff
― toothbrush with extra head
― toothpaste
― dental floss
― Pantene shampoo
― Pantene conditioner
― Secret deodorant (two)
― tampons
― nail file/clippers
― tweezers
― electric razor
― Venus extra sensitive razors (two packs of three)
― earplugs
― sunscreen
Hair
― comb/brush
― hair ties
― headbands
Makeup
― foundation (two)
― eyeliner
― mascara
― eye shadow
― concealer
― brushes
School Supplies Starter
― journal
― 3 notebooks
― pack of notecards in
― notecard case
― small notebook
― zebra pens
― mechanical pencils
― post-its
― scotch tape
― stapler with staples
― paper clips
― scissors
― rubber bands
Laundry
― delicates mesh wash bag
― Ikea big BLUE bag to carry dirty laundry in
― Color Catchers (2-3)
― Shout Wipes
― blow-up hangers (2)
― stretchy clothesline
― absorbent towels for drying delicates
― regular hangers (4)
― Travel Febreeze
― Resolve Stain Remover
Note: The apartment ended up having a large drying rack in it. Had we known, a lot of the above would have been off the list.
Miscellaneous
― Ziplock bags variety pack
― fold up shopping bags
― Command Strips (about four large, six medium, six tiny)
― extra travel plastic bottles
― deck of cards
― travel alarm
― ear plugs
― umbrella
― poncho
― sunglasses
― small sewing kit
― safety pins
― allergen pillow covers
― sleep sac for hostel stays
― washcloths (2)
― thin beach towel
― pocket Kleenix
― first aid kit
― Brita personal water bottle w filters
Please note that she left her hairdryer home. Turns out the apartment had one, but had it not, she would have just bought one there.
Next: Clothes
Sep 12th, 2011, 06:31 AM
#29
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Clothing Starting Point
(She deleted and added as she thought through everything)
Outerwear
― restaurant acceptable light jacket or sweater
― fleece jacket and/or hoodie
― leather jacket and/or
― structured blazer
― waterproof trench with zip-out lining
― Scottevest and/or
― money belt or passport holder
― fleece vest (layer under trench)
Outerwear Accessories
― hat
― scarf
― gloves (2 pr black cheapies)
―
Underwear/PJs
― 14 panties
― 4-6 bras
― undersmoother
― silk underwear
― two pairs PJs
― slipper socks (2 pair)
Accessories
― belts
― earrings
― necklaces
― scarves
― belt ring
― *earring closet hanger
*similar to this, only all pockets can zip shut:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...44173&RN=1008&
Shoes
― New Balance athletic only for running
― Converse or Adidas for casual
― professional black
― black strappy heels
― black flats
― brown flats
― Rainbow flip-flops (around house or for beach)
― waterproof flipflops (hostel room and shower)
― ankle boots (will buy there)
― knee-high boots
- rain-boots (will buy there)
Socks/Stockings
― athletic socks (8-10 pair)
― black leggings 2 pair
― nude stockings 2 pair
― socks for under boots
Dresses
― shift dress/blazer
― dining out dress (black wrap)
― clubbing dress
Skirts
― jean skirt
― khaki skirt
― black skirt (informal?)
― black skirt (formal)
Specialty
― bike shorts
― long-sleeved bike top
― bike gloves
― sports bras 3-4
― sports tops 2-4
― running shorts 2-3
― running leggings/pants 2
― swimsuit (lap swimming)
― goggles and cap
― swimsuit (for show)
Tops
― Three nice short-sleeved jean tops
― Three nice long-sleeved jean tops
― turtlenecks (1 black/1 white)
― 3 clubbing tops
Jeans/Slacks
― jeans 2-3
― black slacks
― other
Sweaters
― Turtleneck
_ Cowel neck
Again, this list was a starting point to allow deletions and additions. She had room to spare after she unpacked, and I brought one of the duffles home since she will be leaving so much of the household stuff there.
(She deleted and added as she thought through everything)
Outerwear
― restaurant acceptable light jacket or sweater
― fleece jacket and/or hoodie
― leather jacket and/or
― structured blazer
― waterproof trench with zip-out lining
― Scottevest and/or
― money belt or passport holder
― fleece vest (layer under trench)
Outerwear Accessories
― hat
― scarf
― gloves (2 pr black cheapies)
―
Underwear/PJs
― 14 panties
― 4-6 bras
― undersmoother
― silk underwear
― two pairs PJs
― slipper socks (2 pair)
Accessories
― belts
― earrings
― necklaces
― scarves
― belt ring
― *earring closet hanger
*similar to this, only all pockets can zip shut:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...44173&RN=1008&
Shoes
― New Balance athletic only for running
― Converse or Adidas for casual
― professional black
― black strappy heels
― black flats
― brown flats
― Rainbow flip-flops (around house or for beach)
― waterproof flipflops (hostel room and shower)
― ankle boots (will buy there)
― knee-high boots
- rain-boots (will buy there)
Socks/Stockings
― athletic socks (8-10 pair)
― black leggings 2 pair
― nude stockings 2 pair
― socks for under boots
Dresses
― shift dress/blazer
― dining out dress (black wrap)
― clubbing dress
Skirts
― jean skirt
― khaki skirt
― black skirt (informal?)
― black skirt (formal)
Specialty
― bike shorts
― long-sleeved bike top
― bike gloves
― sports bras 3-4
― sports tops 2-4
― running shorts 2-3
― running leggings/pants 2
― swimsuit (lap swimming)
― goggles and cap
― swimsuit (for show)
Tops
― Three nice short-sleeved jean tops
― Three nice long-sleeved jean tops
― turtlenecks (1 black/1 white)
― 3 clubbing tops
Jeans/Slacks
― jeans 2-3
― black slacks
― other
Sweaters
― Turtleneck
_ Cowel neck
Again, this list was a starting point to allow deletions and additions. She had room to spare after she unpacked, and I brought one of the duffles home since she will be leaving so much of the household stuff there.
Sep 12th, 2011, 07:32 AM
#30
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When my daughter spent last fall semester there, she chose the "family stay" option through her school and IES. She loved it and really lucked out with a central location.
The home stay included another American girl in the apartment, and the host was a middle-aged woman who was to supply two evening meals a week. These dinners would have been an opportunity to hone the conversational skills, but every meal their host turned on a TV game show, and they ate watching that. At least it was in French.
The home stay included another American girl in the apartment, and the host was a middle-aged woman who was to supply two evening meals a week. These dinners would have been an opportunity to hone the conversational skills, but every meal their host turned on a TV game show, and they ate watching that. At least it was in French.
Apr 22nd, 2012, 03:07 PM
#31
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I was just replying to another thread about using a suitcase or a backpack to use hostels in Europe, so I thought I would update my daughter's study abroad experience here as a continuation.
Communication:
The cell phone plan we used in Fall 2011 is now DEAD. We had used every possible communication method in prior trips--Lebara, Orange, telecartes, etc--and we went with Call in Europe because after the reasonable upfront fee, the rates were comparable to local SIMs and yet I would have the parental assurance that my daughter would never run out of minutes even if she had traveled to Seville. Indeed, her phone ended up being the security blanket for her entire American posse wherever she went. I feel bad that other study abroad parents will not have this assurance.
What was great was that the included internet for the apartment made it possible to call US landlines for free.
Luggage:
My daughter's "go to" luggage for weekend excursions throughout Europe was the ebags Mother Lode, which is a carry-on with backpack straps:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/m...ductid=1370035
With the Mother Lode bag, she was able to get on every cheapie Europe airline without checking, and what she really liked was that she could easily live out of the bag without ever unpacking on these trips because of the bright orange lining (no black hole). She knows how to pack light, and she liked it that for certain trips she could pack her laptop easily in this bag.
She used A.Saks/Lucas large rolling duffles for the big stuff because they collapsed to nothing under her bed and added no weight to eventual airline baggage costs.
Apt Rental Evaluation:
We did get her security deposit back more or less. Even though her chic Parisienne landlord had been notified via pictures of how we had had to scrub that apartment before my daughter could move in; even though the landlord physically witnessed the squeaky clean manner in which my daughter left it; even though we had left beautiful throws, towels, a scale, and other things in the apartment that would act as a benefit to the landlord ; she charged my daughter for a few phone calls that must have been to cell lines, the cost of cleaning two pillows that my daughter had no idea COULD be cleaned, and some other dumb things.
The fact that we have to look at all the decorative elements my daughter purchased for the apartment on the new rental pictures on the net drives us nuts. Still...
...we did get most of that deposit back (remember--it was the same as a first month and last month rent) within a week of her leaving. We had had no idea that the internet provided would give her the ability to call landlines in the US free, so that was a huge plus. A prior tenant had left a printer in the apartment, so that was ANOTHER huge plus.
All in all...
...The location was absolutely perfect. By shopping so early and paying just a bit more early on, my daughter thinks she was spared a ton of aggravation. She had easy access to everything in the 7th, 15th, 6th, and 1st without even thinking about it. She purchased an "Access Paris" book and some Paris Walks types of books, and whenever she got the least little bit homesick, she made herself go out and explore some part of Paris for an hour or so.
By NOT having an American roommate, she could easily learn as much French as much as she wanted. She tried to watch as much French TV as possible; all of her shopping was done locally in French. Still, if she needed some English, she'd drop in her local Starbucks and listen to their latest music. In actuality...
...she had a very hard time coming home. When she was a little girl of 7 or 8, she used to refer to Paris as her "real home", and I think she still feels this way. I knew that when she burst into tears when I picked her up at the airport when she returned to the US, it was not because she missed us (although she is the type of kid who does like her parents). Months later, she is still homesick for Paris.
Communication:
The cell phone plan we used in Fall 2011 is now DEAD. We had used every possible communication method in prior trips--Lebara, Orange, telecartes, etc--and we went with Call in Europe because after the reasonable upfront fee, the rates were comparable to local SIMs and yet I would have the parental assurance that my daughter would never run out of minutes even if she had traveled to Seville. Indeed, her phone ended up being the security blanket for her entire American posse wherever she went. I feel bad that other study abroad parents will not have this assurance.
What was great was that the included internet for the apartment made it possible to call US landlines for free.
Luggage:
My daughter's "go to" luggage for weekend excursions throughout Europe was the ebags Mother Lode, which is a carry-on with backpack straps:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/m...ductid=1370035
With the Mother Lode bag, she was able to get on every cheapie Europe airline without checking, and what she really liked was that she could easily live out of the bag without ever unpacking on these trips because of the bright orange lining (no black hole). She knows how to pack light, and she liked it that for certain trips she could pack her laptop easily in this bag.
She used A.Saks/Lucas large rolling duffles for the big stuff because they collapsed to nothing under her bed and added no weight to eventual airline baggage costs.
Apt Rental Evaluation:
We did get her security deposit back more or less. Even though her chic Parisienne landlord had been notified via pictures of how we had had to scrub that apartment before my daughter could move in; even though the landlord physically witnessed the squeaky clean manner in which my daughter left it; even though we had left beautiful throws, towels, a scale, and other things in the apartment that would act as a benefit to the landlord ; she charged my daughter for a few phone calls that must have been to cell lines, the cost of cleaning two pillows that my daughter had no idea COULD be cleaned, and some other dumb things.
The fact that we have to look at all the decorative elements my daughter purchased for the apartment on the new rental pictures on the net drives us nuts. Still...
...we did get most of that deposit back (remember--it was the same as a first month and last month rent) within a week of her leaving. We had had no idea that the internet provided would give her the ability to call landlines in the US free, so that was a huge plus. A prior tenant had left a printer in the apartment, so that was ANOTHER huge plus.
All in all...
...The location was absolutely perfect. By shopping so early and paying just a bit more early on, my daughter thinks she was spared a ton of aggravation. She had easy access to everything in the 7th, 15th, 6th, and 1st without even thinking about it. She purchased an "Access Paris" book and some Paris Walks types of books, and whenever she got the least little bit homesick, she made herself go out and explore some part of Paris for an hour or so.
By NOT having an American roommate, she could easily learn as much French as much as she wanted. She tried to watch as much French TV as possible; all of her shopping was done locally in French. Still, if she needed some English, she'd drop in her local Starbucks and listen to their latest music. In actuality...
...she had a very hard time coming home. When she was a little girl of 7 or 8, she used to refer to Paris as her "real home", and I think she still feels this way. I knew that when she burst into tears when I picked her up at the airport when she returned to the US, it was not because she missed us (although she is the type of kid who does like her parents). Months later, she is still homesick for Paris.
Apr 22nd, 2012, 03:43 PM
#32
I'm so glad that you brought this back to the top today. I hadn't seen it before, and it is full of good information. My older daughter did a semester in Rome, and we also searched for apartments and signed a lease from the US. My younger daughter is about to take off for London for 6 months for an internship, and while my older daughter shared an apartment with other American students, this time my younger daughter will be on her own. Your lists will be quite helpful. Thanks!
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