I almost couldn't bring myself to leave, incredible experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very informative and helpful classes, taught by professors who really knew how to teach languages well. The classes were 3 hours each day and were a lot of fun, mixed between international students and fellow Americans sometimes you did not even have the option to speak English wish was really nice. It peaked my interest in French even more than I thought.

On-site administration of your program

The AIFS on-site director was named Sandrine, and by the end of the program she felt like all of our mothers. She was incredibly nice, friendly, and knew everything and everyone absolutely everywhere we went. I miss her a lot on a daily basis, great woman.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My hallway in the dorm at la college became a group of friends I will have for life. What was great was the mixture of students from all around the world, so that even though I was American, I had hallway mates with a Mexican, an Italian, a man from Honduras a German and one other American. Most people got a room with one other student although there were also singles. You have a bed, desk, lockable dresser, and a sink/mirror in the room. There is no AC but you do not need it in Cannes, it is beautiful year-round.

The food at the school cafeteria was good, I would definitely recommend not getting the food plan for all three meals though, just limit it to 2 per day. I had the most fun going out and finding my food every night a the local grocery store Leaderprice, and the store quite honestly became like a second home. However, the college also has a Cafe open very late that has great paninis, sandwiches, drinks, nuggets, salads and fries for a good price.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Just walking around Canned on a daily basis gave me quite a bit of integration, although it is really on a personal level how much you want to get involved with the local community. I am giving it four stars just because I stayed in a dorm and not a home-stay program.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

AIFS included a health insurance program and there was a nurse on site. There was also a hospital 30 minutes away just in case that they could take you to.

I never felt threatened here, it is a small and secure town and the college staff all know you on a personal level.

I quite literally almost couldn't get in the van to take me to the airport, I learned more about the world and about myself than any other time in my life, and while I almost never cry, I was sobbing leaving this experience. I would love to go back and live there if I could, Canned and la college are absolutely amazing.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I personally found it very manageable, you just have to know how much you want to spend and then budget yourself well. I spent a little too much at the beginning so watch out for that. Also save some money for the break time you get, you will more than likely want to go on a trip.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You cannot speak English in class, although around campus and town you can pretty much do whatever you want.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The program director
• My international friends
• Language classes

• I'd go in the spring instead of the Fall
• I could spend a year here instead of a semester

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer