It was a blast and an enlightening experience. Past Review
By A student (French and Francophone Studies, Wartburg College) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 08/09/2013 with
AIFS: Cannes - Campus International de Cannes
It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again if I got to stay with a host family. I learned things about myself, the language, and France.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I definitely learned a ton in class. We learned about grammar; worked on listening, reading, and speaking; and learned about the culture. Not only that, I learned about other cultures because the classes were diverse and we would talk about the way our country did things. The teachers are fantastic and really helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site (AIFS) administration were phenomenal. I felt nothing less than welcomed from the time they picked us up from the airport. Anytime there was a problem or a question, they were always willing to help. They were very knowledgeable about everything and very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were great. Having people clean our room everyday took some getting used to, but that's it. |
| * Food: |
The food was good and we ate different food all of the time. Of course some meals were repeated, but nine out of ten of them were delicious. The portion sizes took some getting used to. They were usually smaller. Also, there was lots of salad. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not very. This was the most disappointing part of the trip. Since we were at a university, I feel like I lived in a bubble. I didn't go off campus much, nor did I need to, unless I was going to the atm or the beach. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't personally have experience with healthcare, but from what I observed from my colleagues it was accessible. There was an infirmary on campus. |
| * Safety: |
Of course it was sketchy at night (what place isn't?) and we had to be more careful, but that's common sense. I felt safe, for the most part, on and off campus. (There are cameras all over campus and no one who isn't a student or a worker can come on campus) Walk in groups as often as you can. Don't get too comfortable and underestimate what can go wrong. Bad people are not afraid to mug or violate you at any time of the day. |
| 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) |
If it came down to necessities, you didn't go out, or eat out much, I'd easily give it a 5. (That's 65 to 70 euros a week) |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Let's be real, there were concerts, we went out, and at some point you will have to cave and buy toiletries. Plus, the college had activities we could signup and pay for. Total, about $800 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Nope. |
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 |
All of the time. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A3.2 |
| 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? | Make friends with the staff or with townies. Because there are students from all over the world, English is the common language between everyone. Most students prefer to speak English |
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 I would have lived in a bubble and that spending money would be such a task. (They don't split checks, there is a 10 to 17 euro minimum to use your card, and the bank (Bank of America) charges you a percentage to use your card or withdraw money, just to name a few. |
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! |
