Past Review

By (Communications/ Public Relations, University of Hartford) for

AIFS: Cannes - Campus International de Cannes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All was great, but the classes were very long.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They took us on so many trips (excursions listed and many day trips). They had many activities for us during the week. They organized everything. Also I got sick the end of the semester and had to spend 2 nights in the hospital, they took care of everything cost and transportation wise, and helped me feel comfortable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Friends were all close by. Cleaning ladies came in everyday, and they changed your sheets every 10 days. Dorms were across the courtyard from classes (sometimes even in the same building). The whole campus was enclosed with a fence, and there was a security guard.

* Food:

The food was ok. Sometimes the meals were strange. Lunch and dinner were served at a specific time and served family style 6 people to a table. There was also a sandwich/ snack place on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I traveled to so many places, some with AIFS and some on my own. Paris, Florence, Rome, Greece, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, and other places in France! Everything was so much fun! Obviously there were some problems, but none too serious and I learned from them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The campus and city were safe. Any problems I had Sandrine and Aude (the AIFS director and her assistant) were there to help (even in the middle of the night!)

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent more money than I expected ( about $8,000 for the whole 4 months) most of it probably on traveling and food. I decided to not pay the extra $600 to have dinners on campus so I often went out for dinner. I had many friends who did buy the dinner plan. I'm not sure it is worth it, but it is always a place to get dinner if you are running low on cash. I also spent a lot of money on clothes and souvenirs. I could have budgeted my money better, and spent much less if it had been necessary.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

The amount of French spoken everyday greatly improved my language skills. Also there were many foreign students to practice with.

Other Program Information

* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're interested in the beach, meeting many foreign people, going to the Cannes Film Festival, and having the time of your life; just sign up and go! It was the best 4 months ever!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French Language

Course Department:
Instructor: Annik/ Claude/ Marie-Helene
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course was designed to make you learn french quickly and well. Through out the semester you change levels depending on strengths so you learn the most. It was for 3 hours 5 days a week though.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

French Civilization

Course Department: SOC 309
Instructor: Marie-Helene/ Sylvie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Long! 2 1/2 hours of lecture, but it was only twice a week for 2 months out of the 4 months I was there.
Credit Transfer Issues: