study abroad tips that you NEED to know before leaving || CIEE Paris

when i tell you guys that these tips will save you... they just might. join me in a story-filled tip list that i compiled from my study abroad experience.
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[@vastrella]

I've watched a BUNCH of study abroad videos and this is definitely the most informative/ realistic one I've seen. Like I'm not too stressed about packing I just want to know how to manage my finances and navigate the country LOL so THANK YOU!!!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

aww yay!!! im really glad that it helped 🥹❤️

[@cicizhai4982]

Omg, yes, this definitely was the most helpful study abroad videos I have watched. Thankfully, I didn’t need to search too far to find this video. The financial tips you mentioned with the credit card and exchange rates as well as the SIM cards were some of the thing my mom mentioned before going abroad. You really confirmed what she said I needed to do. 😅 I’ll also keep the CityMaps on my phone, that seems like a very useful map going around the city.

[@sregan65]

YES!!! BE INDEPENDANT!!! The first time I went to Paris - with 5 girlfriends - everyone had to go everywhere together!!! It's ok to be independent and figure it out on your own!

[@alexandrareyes3511]

I love how you mention independence! if you rely on other people it can cost you so many missed opportunities.

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

it’s SO important!!! people don’t realize how much freedom they have 🥲

[@caprislefanta5099]

Girl you are real one!!!! Whenever you look into studying abroad trips or ask someone they usually don't give the practical specifics (currency, phone plan, etc.), thank you so much!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i'm happy to have helped! have fun with your future study abroad experience :)

[@itsnadaaaa]

The independent part is so important for just uni in general! I relied too much on my friends in my first year of uni. It wasn't until my 2nd year that i finally started doing things on my own, and it was amazing! You have so much more freedom on your own and you get to explore places that you really want to see. I've never understood ppl who go to uni but never take advantage of the freedom and individuality that they now have lmao

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

EXACTLY!

[@mandyd.3904]

GIRRRRL you said it all, I was also studying abroad and had to come back early cuz of covid19. Its so sad that I felt like I needed to rely on my friends to do the stuff I wanted. I went to London and didnt get to see the fricking Big Ben!! Of course we're always gonna have regrets but trying to enjoy every moment and being open to try new things is essential. Keep being this amazing person u are and kisses from Brasil

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

if anyone is wondering, yes. i also had to borrow underwear from my host mom ... 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@lilliancorrow880]

after watching this whole vid i have a few things to say- 1. EVERYTHING bad that could happen happened to you- girl omg i am so sorry😭 2. this was INCREDIBLY helpful and i will be coming back to this before i leave (which will be in 2022) but thank you so much for making this omg

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

HEY GIRL! have so much fun in toulouse! to answer your last comment, I learned a lot of french FAST and also lost the ability to speak fast after they sent all of us home since I no longer needed to use it :( i will never be fluent in french since it is not my native language but I was very very proficient

[@lilliancorrow880]

@@TheCaitlynRose123 THANK YOU SO MUCH!! followed you on insta after i watched ur vid🥰 thats great to know its easy to pick it up quickly, so sorry u had to leave early:( but i hope your doing great!!

[@buttercup2444]

Bestie has been through hell and cane back with water buckets

[@lillysing5249]

You have no idea how much this helps me!! It kinda scared/shocked me back to reality lol. Thanks for the tips

[@mariem4673]

these are the REAL tips omg i needed this video!!! thank you

[@SusmaGurung]

I am doing a Learning Abroad in Paris this upcoming Fall Semester through ISA. I am super excited. Thank you for these tips--I really need to start organizing my shit. LOL.

[@onesam2go]

Great information! Sorry for all you had to deal with!! But I really appreciate your honesty and helping others by sharing your experience! ❤

[@yoursubconscious]

good stuff! highly helpful for my class! 🙏 - props on the "secondary emergency bag" in case of cancellation or your luggage being temporarily misplaced. coolio

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

glad to have helped!

[@sparklysparkle21]

thanks for these tips! i’m studying abroad in paris in the fall and i’m so excited

[@sparklysparkle21]

would love to see paris specific tips!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

OMG YAY!!! im so excited for you! i have a couple more study abroad videos planned ☺️

[@TooMuchMiracle]

This was so helpful thank you for this video!

[@audreys308]

I’m doing the same program as you this summer in Paris as well 😊😊😊 thank you sooooo much

[@madsmissions9885]

Great video! Thanks so much for the helpful tips!!

[@sophiataveras1366]

Thank you for making this video! I’m going abroad with CIEE and wanted to see what other videos I could find because i pretty much watched all of them relating to Europe lol

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i’m happy you ran into this one! these tips would have totally saved me 😂

[@taylormull9616]

Im going abroad with CIEE in Europe too! Im doing the open campus blocks

[@maureenabraham5420]

hey if you don’t mind me asking, where to? and did you also apply to the scholarship one too because i’ve been interested in it and I was wondering if you had any advice in it

[@sophiataveras1366]

@@maureenabraham5420 supposed to be Spain but wasn’t able to go, got 4K from Gilman Scholarship

[@alexabueno3806]

@@maureenabraham5420 Im doing paris, france for summer 2022

[@dae2105]

I really enjoyed your video it was very helpful and informational. Also, I would love to see a video about your homestay experience and a Paris specific tip list!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yay!!! im so happy to have helped! i have future videos in the works ☺️

[@sandracastro2376]

Tysm so much for this video I would’ve totally missed some of these things ty!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

of course!! so glad i could help 💗

[@snix445]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! i’m grateful for you

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

You're so welcome! i hope you have fun studying abroad 🤭

[@jennahuebner4047]

Just found your channel while searching for info on CIEE Paris- I’m applying for the summer! This was so helpful tysm!!! I really hope you decide to make a Paris specific video too💕

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

omg yes girl!!! i'm so happy to have been able to help! I will work on a paris specific one soon :) you will literally have the best time, and the people who work at the CIEE center in paris are the BEST!!!!

[@alexabueno3806]

Wat summer are you applying too or did you go already? I have sooo many questions Im applying for summer 2022

[@macicox9700]

I am so glad I watched this before going to Wales. I have a capital one and discover card and I wasn't entire sure which card would be useful.

[@barstoolbarca]

I am taking a gap year in Germany after I graduate! I’m going into junior year and will taking German my last 2 years. So excited!

[@madisonmahoney9440]

this is like my 5th video of yours that I'm watching tonight before I leave for my study abroad in Paris next week!!! so helpful!!! about the phone thing... definitely one of my biggest concerns. at&t is supposed to unlock my phone but how did you get the International SIM card / phone plan?? is that something that I can do at the airport to avoid a mental breakdown orrr

[@NatalieNino]

This informations was so helpful thank you! I'm still nervous lol

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

omg girl you totally got it!!!!!! you’ll literally have the time of your life

[@chelsea2117]

This helped alott because I am thinking about going abroad next year ❤

[@noahfym4439]

I did Paris with CIEE the beginning of this year! I love Mr. JP!!!!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

OMG JP IS THE BEST!!! I MISS HIMMMM

[@sophiar6783]

OMG thank you for this video!!! I am going to Paris this summer with CIEE and I have been watching hella videos on all of this!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yay! im so happy to have helped!!!

[@dae2105]

I am going to Paris this summer as well with Ciee!! What succession did you pick? I am going during succession two.

[@sophiar6783]

@@dae2105 OMG ME TOOO! Wait whats your insta i can add u to a gc with everyone goin!

[@Mona-hw4ye]

@@sophiar6783 im session 2 too😭

[@alexabueno3806]

@@sophiar6783 Girl im going next year!! Can I ask you some questions!!!???

[@heavenonearth3316]

This video is so helpful! Quick question to anyone here; has anyone applied for the program outside the US and gotten a scholarship? I'm considering going to Japan in 2023 but I need to know whether I can get a scholarship because I don't live in the USA, I live in Canada. Help will be appreciated!!!

[@mimi-du5tl]

Yeah this was super helpful! You don’t really think about the everyday conveniences until you don’t have it. I have a question! You mentioned bringing a carry-on. My parents are telling to take a check in instead bc I’ll be gone in 5-6 months. But tbh bc I know there’s so much cobblestone streets and stairs. And I am planning to travel around before and after my exchange, idk if lugging a large suitcase is a smart idea. I was thinking of bring a big backpack as my carry on and a personal bag. Not sure if that’s going to be enough tho

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

it really depends on how minimalistic you can live! since you plan to travel a lot, i would steer clear of a HUGE suitcase. truly, if you bring 5 tops and 5 pairs of pants, you essentially have 25 different outfits (given they all are basics that match.) I think it's possible!!! you might just have to make some sacrifices when it comes to packing.

[@rachel6194]

tytytyyyy this helped me so much

[@liv_hann]

i’ve wanted to go to Paris my whole life, and i got accepted into the CIEE paris program, but i haven’t seen any legit/non-affiliate experiences 😭😭 probably wouldve been better to see this earlier but this is good prep lol

[@officialnyny8271]

Thank you for the video, I’m going to Morocco for this summer

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

OMG!! That sounds like a dream! I hope you have the best time!

[@karla8730]

Thank you for the video! I'm studying abroad with CIEE going to Spain this summer so this was very useful:)

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yay!!! that’s so exciting! you’ll seriously have the best time. CIEE is so awesome ☺️

[@xoprincessxo3615]

Hello , I sent in my application how do we know if we got accepted??

[@karla8730]

@@xoprincessxo3615 Hey! You should have gotten an email if you got accepted and it will give you the information for further steps. If you applied to summer session 1 you should have gotten the email by now but I don't know when they send in the summer session 2 ones.

[@xoprincessxo3615]

@@karla8730Yesterday there was an update to my application they asked me to choose a different location because the one I had picked is cancelled. So I’m guessing I’ll have to wait a little bit longer because of that and I did apply for session 2 !

[@karla8730]

@@xoprincessxo3615 Ohh ok if your location was cancelled and you picked the different location already then yeah just wait for the email.

[@mariagraham7685]

Omg thank you so much. I’m not going to Paris but i’m going to Ireland for 3-4 months this semester. I had no idea about unlocking my phone.. you def saved me😭. Also those apps will come in handy too!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yes! do it ahead of time because your phone will still work with your US sim card, but it will be prepared for the foreign one that you put in once you get it!

[@gregoriaarreola2824]

thank you for this video!!

[@miriamarevaloborrego2323]

Can you please do a home stay experience video I’m planning on studying abroad in Paris next semester and I’m really interested in that!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

posted girl!!! let me know if you have any questions!!!

[@melanie915]

atm i'm debating studying a year in Japan during highschool or having my sweet sixteen. right now japan is winning

[@joepapa7668]

Japan all the way it’ll be a once I lifetime experience. And FaceTime all your friends and family for your birthday!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

japan!!! 100%

[@lizasaakadze5411]

Use VISA or Mastetcard in Europe. I’ve never heard about other ones actually. I would also recommend buying EURO back at home country and keep euro bank account. Much less money will be lost due to transfers

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

thank you for the tip!!!

[@mary__a]

Thank you for your advice. They were really hopeful. Can you help how to find cheap train tickets in Europe across the countries?

[@ellona3645]

I also hated Paris & oh so many pick pockets 😓... I'm from Switzerland & I've done internships at America so I'm thinking of doing an exchange semester @RISD. People in America are so friendly/open. Easier for me to adjust

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

oh nooo!!! im so sorry you didn’t like it ;( country has its pros and cons for sure! I’m so happy you enjoyed it here in America💗

[@aleksandrajopek4592]

Hey! I am also studying in Switzerland since two years now and I am going for next semester to Paris as well! Could you tell me how did you do with your phone? Were U still using Swiss number or you got a French SIM card? I am looking for the best options right now :) Thank you

[@gabby267]

this is so helpful ur awesome

[@peacearobieke]

Thank you💕💕 omg XE currency 🤯city mapper🤯🤯

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

mind blowing apps that are so simple but very overlooked!!!!

[@joyfullyfaith]

I love this, thanks

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

of course!!! thank YOU for watching 💗

[@andreafox1949]

I’m currently deciding where to study abroad at & definitely am considered using my old iPhone & getting a SIM card for the country I pick.

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

that is so smart! you sound very prepared!!!

[@destinyzroom]

Thank you so much!!

[@anusha_singh]

okay so my question is - did you call your phone company to unlock your phone for international call sim plan or an international sim card that you'd get in a different country

[@animeotaku1773]

Were you able to have your original number when coming back from abroad. I plan on getting a new local sim card, but I want access to my number when I come back to the states because it's linked to all my other accounts. Any tips? Thank you!

[@lilliancorrow880]

im going to toulouse for my junior year, i wish paris was an option for high schoolers- but nonetheless i am beyond thrilled and grateful to be able to go there! i do have one question, while you were there, how much french did you end up learning? r u fluent now? or close to fluent?

[@Bella-ms6gm]

do you know if they provide scholarship?

[@lilliancorrow880]

@@Bella-ms6gm i honestly have no idea sorry:((

[@t.gthegamer6886]

Thank you so much🙏🏾

[@alexabueno3806]

Im going to paris for summer 2022! I had a question of flying over there? Do all participants meetup in a city then fly together? What if your from a different city, do you fly with a staff member to the meetup location or alone??

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

when you fly, you’re alone but you get a flight to arrive to paris at a certain time. you then meet at the airport with other people in the program, and transport is provided to the program center!

[@Lana-fp1iz]

Thank you, this video was sooo helpful! Can you please explain what the classes were like. I’m going to Paris this summer and it requires a year of French which I do have but I’m worried I don’t know enough.

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yeah! if you’re with CIEE, you’ll take 2 classes per block on any subject you want (as long as it’s avaliable). you don’t need to know any french AT ALL to be successful with ciee! it totally helps/ makes you more confident getting around though :)

[@Mona-hw4ye]

What session are you going on? Im going on Paris session 2

[@Lana-fp1iz]

@@Mona-hw4ye I was going for session 1 but it got canceled

[@Mona-hw4ye]

@@Lana-fp1iz oh im sorry to hear it wouldve been cool to meet you😭

[@Lana-fp1iz]

@@Mona-hw4yeThxs, yea lol😭

[@alicehou4566]

Hi thank you for the tips! I'm about to study abroad in Paris and was wondering: what resource did you use to find and coordinate your home stay?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

the program i studied abroad though (CIEE) provided us with a homestay!

[@soleillevertus5740]

Please make a home stay experience video ! I was accepted to a CIEE program in Paris and the deadline is March 4th and my parents are iffy about the home stays and leaning towards saying no :( would it be possible for me to email or message you with questions ?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

omg i can totally answer some questions! email me OR send me a message on instagram (i check insta much more often)! i will also try to film my own experience soon :)

[@tyriqueross9915]

Same I got basically a full ride to Madrid and they made me deny it . A bit broken about it

[@soleillevertus5740]

@@tyriqueross9915 awe :( it’s okay you can apply for another program at a later date

[@yvettelu12]

where do you buy a sim card? also when you mean unlock your phone, did you mean physically unlock it or something at&t does on their end? thank u!!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

your phone company will unlock your phone! you have to call them and it could take a couple of days! i got mine from free mobile in france

[@jxl4262]

did they reimburse you when you got sent home early? i'm thinking of applying for their summer program bu to really nervous about losing money to covid and i also would hate for the experience to get cut short!

[@JuicyJuice-0]

What program are you applying to?

[@jxl4262]

@@JuicyJuice-0 the rome through the arts trip

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i did get reimbursed for the rest of the program!

[@falafel777]

what was the experience like for friends and hanging out with people,, did you find it easy to make friends

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i found two of my closest friends here on social media before the program started. I also made a lot of my friends though work :)

[@morganbarras1963]

Are credit cards accepted as a common form of payment? I remember in 2017 there being a minimum purchase amount to use a credit card in Italy. Did you only use a credit card on certain purchases and carry cash for others? Just wondering if you can expand a bit on this.... I'll be studying in France for a semester this fall

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

I used my debit card to pay for most things! if you are planning to use a credit card, i recommend doing research on the specific type of card you have!

[@Mona-hw4ye]

Im doing summer abroad session 2 for Paris and im nervous😭

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

YOU GOT THIS!!! its going to be so so much fun :)

[@alexabueno3806]

How was it?? Im going for summer 2022. Can I like personally interview you over Instagram lol?

[@mackenzieshayemurray9429]

Can you exchange us dollars to euros at the airport? If so, can you get a large amount put into a card?

[@maddymaddymads]

When you study abroad do you go to a local school or a school that is meant only for students who are studying abroad?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

it depends on the program you do! my program had a school where all of the study abroad students took classes together

[@HannahDickersonn]

Great video! How did you buy your free mobile SIM card? Did you just go to a phone store in Paris or is there a way to have it mailed to me in the states?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

I had to go to the store! Free mobile is inexpensive but it is a little inconvenient because you have to start your plan AND cancel your plan in person!

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

however, that’s how is was in 2020 pre covid

[@user-un2bn7ox9o]

how hard are the Ciee Paris classes? any you recommend/ teachers you liked/ classes not to take?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

omg I loved. LOVED. my CIEE classes. All of my classes were completely taught in french, so depending on what you're studying, you might have completely different class options to choose from. I took art history classes in french and just some french language classes.

[@purplesuninthesky]

When you study abroad is it out of pocket?

[@finding_layla8494]

With free mobile how did you get your sim card? did you order it online or did you go into an actual store? Oh and this was really helpful

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i had to go to the physical store in paris! there is only one!

[@firdosvohra4315]

i thought CIEE only does homestay. Do you know other companies that have other options?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

CIEE allows either homestay or apartment options!

[@Honestopinion4u]

What do you mean by unlock your phone?

[@statistical-cats-sophia]

I know most folks say not to bring many toiletries, but I have very curly hair and I'm not sure if Ireland is going to have a lot of that lmao

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

If you have specific products you use! Pack them! You can also do research on what products they have abroad!

[@lily_dausse587]

How about putting roaming on my cellphone, is it allowed?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yes! as long as you have an international plan with your cellphone provider. However, It normally is much more expensive to do it this way!

[@cheyennesullivan2839]

Okay I'm a bit confused on what you mean by unlocking my phone could you explain this more??

[@professorgsswamp]

I think the easiest thing to do is call your phone company letting them know about your travel and whether or not it will limit you using your phone availability, and also once you are abroad, buy a SIM card so either way, we can have unlimited usage of our phones. My question is, what will happen once my phone has that SIM card? Will I still be able to use my home country’s data plan? Or once I am using the new SIM card, will I have to contact everyone using the SIM card?

[@sarahelizabethtorres1431]

Wait so I'm a bit confused. You bought an AT&T international plan and it still didn't work??

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

i set up the AT&T plan at home so by the time I landed, it would work immediately. HOWEVER, when i landed, I was able to call and text but there was no way for me to connect to any internet. I had to constantly be on wifi. I also realized that I would have ended up using my monthly internet GB allowance up in one day.... LOL

[@kpopspams2537]

Do they pay for the flight?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

nope! you are responsible for the flight

[@Soph4105]

What does home stay mean

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

it’s when you stay in the home of a family that actually lives in the country you’re traveling to!

[@dink8453]

does CIEE have the option to not stay in a homestay?

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

yes! most of my friends had their own apartments with roommates! they are spread across paris

[@dink8453]

@@TheCaitlynRose123 Is this avaliable for high schoolers or college only?

[@Zakuchanhatesyou]

Me, a european watching this: ???? No way to contact anyone? Do people in the US not use whatsapp or another messaging app ones uses via data/Wifi? Doesnt the airport provide free wifi? Is all your phone contact via sms?

[@professorgsswamp]

Yes lol Americans do not use WhatsApp unless to contact their abroad family

[@kenmasgf5548]

Bro I’m from Europe and hearing this is super funny , ahhh American problems

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

LOL!!!!

[@nya958]

Can you do a whole video in more depth as to how exactly to prepare your phone for studying abroad ? 🤍

[@beautifulbutterfly6669]

What's "unlocking" ur phone

[@TheCaitlynRose123]

it's your phone company giving you access to use another company's sim card