liek0806

I've been in the process at UCLA of trying to figure out studying abroad next school year. I am not a french major or minor, but like your daughter I also want to be in Paris. Has your daughter considered petitioning to take more units this upcoming winter and spring, so that she could possibly do Sciences Po in the Spring instead of having to return back so that she completes her degree requirements at UCLA? Sciences Po is in Paris, and she would be attending school with students primarily from France, and with 30 percent give or take that are internationals. They also offer a year long program, which I'm sure could offer some of her major requirements?

somemom

IM2- apparently it is major and campus specific, so the student just needs to know enough to ask and not assume that "all units will transfer" will work for them. We checked in time and were fine, but could have made an error had she not checked.

classof07

i go to ucla as well, and i'm trying to find programs in paris for the fall. i guess i'll have to go through another school since EAP doesn't offer any besides UC Center, which is a waste of money and time.

Inquiringmind2

Can you please explain why you think the UC Center program in Paris is a waste of time? My daughter just submitted her application for that program. She really wants to be in Paris, minor in French, and be sure all units will transfer to UCLA for her minor. I know there are many other organizations and programs out there but you run the risk of the units not transferring. She is hoping to live with a Frenach family to get a bit more of the immersion experience. One of her best friends is also going and I can't imagine why it would be a waste of time and money. Please explain.

Dionysus58

It isn't a waste of time. All time abroad is worthwhile. Forgive me i dont understand your system of transferring credits, but if its a question of her only being able to go to a UC centre or risk doing the wrong thing then its absolutely right shes applying. It is better than not going at all.

But she will have to work that bit harder to integrate. It will be very easy just to fall into a routine of only socializing with Americans/Anglophones. I cant stress this enough.

BoelterHall

Dionysus58 is right, I find that most exchange students will fall into the routine of socializing with Americans. I am on exchange right now (but not in Europe) and the exchange students just love doing American activities rather than doing the cultural immersion. For example, they would eat McDonalds at least once a day, avoid local students, and then play their own American drinking games.

Inquiringmind2

BoelterHall: Thanks for the post. I have often read your posts on the UCLA page. Where are you studying abroad? Do you find that living with a host family increases the immersion experience? Are you on a UCLA EAP program? Are you studying at a University or a study center?

BoelterHall

Yes, I am studying through EAP and living at a university hall. Living with a host family should help with language, but I am not totally sure about anything else since I don't know anyone who has gone to Paris yet. You should keep asking around.

Generally, the amount of cultural immersion while living at the university halls will depend on how proactive you are in joining cultural activities and events on campus. Also, how well you mingle with locals. Usually the school will provide you with a local buddy who will take you around to places and help you avoid feeling homesick.