Parfait! Past Review
By Samantha Kendrick (Lee University) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/08/2016 with
Accès: Strasbourg - Accès Classique: Semester Study Abroad
The purpose of why I am studying a different language. It was the most important experience of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teachers are very helpful and encouraging in your experience; they are very flexible and the school provides many extracurricular activities for students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Alex and his family are very hospitable and supportive of the incoming students and making sure they have everything they need and that you're having a good time abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family! I was so scared at first but they were very welcoming and warm. I really felt like I was part of their family by the time I left. |
| * Food: |
The food at my host home was great and the food in the restaurants we ate at were great too! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are so many opportunities to get immersed in the culture through what the city offers, what the school offers, and what the Accés program offers. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had bronchitis and as soon as Alex found out he offered to take me to the doctor. The doctor was very helpful and easy to deal with. His wife dropped everything she had to do to take me to the doctor and get the medicine I was prescribed. The doctor and pharmacists were friendly and very helpful! The whole process was a lot quicker and cheaper than in the US. |
| * Safety: |
It is always important to stay vigilant and make smart decisions but Strasbourg is very safe. I always felt safe no matter what time I was out. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes! I was so scared going into this experience but it was the best thing I've ever done. Very life-changing. I learned so much about myself, about France, and about studying abroad. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
It is important to bring money with you for souvenirs and if you want to travel abroad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~20 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook if you can, splurge on trips! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Speaking French was encouraged at all times, Alex reminded us of this every day we saw him. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Meet locals if you can! Participate in clubs and volunteer. Speak with your host family often. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Focus more on the experience, stay longer if possible! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
