Adventure is out there Past Review
By Maxzene B (International Relations And Global Studies, University of California - Irvine) - abroad from 02/05/2012 to 06/02/2012 with
AIFS: Cannes - Campus International de Cannes
I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do with my life. I decided that I want to return as soon as I graduate and look for a job within the field of International Relations.
Review Photos
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. |
Great quality of teaching the French language. It is vigorous and daily, but definitely do-able. Your French will exceed even your own expectations, especially in your communication skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wonderful, friendly, and helpful staff - ready for all your questions! Will help you through the transition very nicely. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in the dorms, NOT apartments - rules must to be followed. There are consequences if not. |
| * Food: |
The cafeteria food is decent, provided with themed food from all around the world, not just French. There is a cafe on campus with great snack food and an awesome environment. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The school is in an association with a Journalism school with whom French students are on campus as well. This definitely helps you dive into the local French Rivera culture and practice your French. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was easily accessible at the school. There was no need to travel beyond Cannes unless you were seriously injured or sick. There is also a pharmacy across the street which is very helpful for those cold or flu symptoms. |
| * Safety: |
Adopt to the new culture. It is recommended that you do not make eye contact with strangers and do not talk back to someone who is bothering you. I had no problems, but it is always good to keep that in mind. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
France is the most expensive country in the European Union and the euro is currently stronger than the dollar. With that, it is best to watch your use of money. There are ways to cut your spending, but it takes some time to get used to. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-70 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the dinner plan if you want to save some money on food. |
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 |
Everything was in French - from the school bell, to the signs around the school, to the excursions, to the language the workers spoke, everything encouraged the use of the language! It was great. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French A 2.3 |
| 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? | When you are with other Americans, please, speak in French. It's the hardest thing to do, but it will help you so much! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | That it was going to go by fast! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
