The Highlight of my College Career Past Review
By Stephanie T (Psychology And French, University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/12/2012 to 06/01/2012 with
AIFS: Paris - Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne
I realized I have more to learn more to see. I learned how to live not just go about my daily routine. I learned that you can't be afraid to make mistakes and don't dwell on the past. Life goes on and everyday is a new day!
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. |
I felt like I was placed in the right level of French and learned something extraordinary everyday. I also had lovely and patient teachers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were so attentive to our needs but at the same time gave us the liberty we need to figure things out our own. They also had many excursions that I enjoyed taking part it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved the location, my house mother and all of my room mates I was placed with. I even had a dog ! |
| * Food: |
French food is by far my favorite. Meal vouchers came in handing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although I love the french culture and language, there was a bit I had to get used to and not everyone is going to be as patient with you as your teachers. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
It all depends on your spending habits. I felt like I had sufficient funds. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10-15 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan trips ahead! |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate but is much different than what the French mean by intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes- it is how you learn. |
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?
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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? | Have no expectations. |
