France: More Amazing Than I Could Have Imagined Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Like I said before, the grading system and manner of assessing grades are quite different and can be stressful. (I found just a single test at the end of the year to be a lot of pressure.) The due dates of things are also a lot more ambiguous; it's more the student's responsibility to stay on top of things in the manner that they should. However, my professors were absolutely incredible; I truly could not have asked for better. I was truly amazed at their calibre; I would recommend this university to anyone studying abroad in Grenoble.

On-site administration of your program

I really would say that there were no weaknesses--my RDs were three of the most amazing people; I don't think any of us could have asked for better. They were always available for support, questions, information--they even had an office where we all came to hang out at lunch if we wanted to, and were available by phone 24/7. They constantly were planning new cultural events for us so we could get the most out of our experience abroad. One of my directors was from Grenoble, and another had lived there for years, so they knew everything about the city we would ever need to know. They also gave us monthly newsletters with information, updates, and tips, and helped explain the way the grade systems differ in America and France. The program size was perfect; there were about 26 people, and we all became very close. ANy expectations I had were completely blown away.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was arranged for me by my program which was great. The neighborhood felt very safe and nice, although it was a little difficult to get to the city to go out because the buses stopped running at 8:30 PM, which is when my family first started eating dinner. I didn't have to buy anything to settle in; my host family provided everything. At first things were a little awkward with the host family just because they are strangers, but we adjusted fairly well to each other and they even let me stay an extra night with them before I left. I would definitely recommend a host family living situation to other people, if for nothing but the everyday language practice.

Homemade French food every night was great!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program planned a lot of excursions and cultural events for us. My favorites were probably our two trips to the theatre to see contemporary French play/dance groups and our trip to the French Riveria.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city seemed very safe to me. I did have some eye problems and there were university doctors available free of charge, just like at UT. It was very accessible. However, the one problem I ran into was the need to see an eye specialist (opthamalogist). Apparently there are a shortage of these in France, and I ended up having to go to urgent care, where I was told that I needed to go see someone else in the city. At home it is much easier to get in and see an eye doctor, although I am told that this is the only type of doctor that is rare in France, so maybe I just have bad luck. My resident directors were very helpful though, and even called urgent care for me. There were no prevalent health issues during the duration of my program.

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

My host family was the best way that I practiced the language; I was living with them so I had to use French in everyday interactions, EVERY DAY. My American friends spoke English, but other than that I spoke French with everyone, including the Resident Directors of my program, whom I absolutely adored. I also used French in every day interations when I was doing things like grocery shopping. The best way to improve the language skills is to use the language at every possibility--there were even organizations through the university we could join which allowed us to meet other French people.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• International Students