The south of France was better than expected Past Review
By Danita F (Modern Languages (French), Longwood University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes
YES. The experience has changed my view on the French people and given me an insight as to who I am and what I can handle.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was unexpectedly light and the teaching methods were slightly different, but I learned a lot because of how much studying I did. They do not give much homework or projects because they expect that you will study. That is how you get ahead. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The API program administrators in Grenoble really made my study abroad experience worthwhile. They cared about us on a professional and personal level. Sometimes they were alittle late on telling us some information, but other than that, they were perfect. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very happy about where I was living for the semester. I had plenty to do. Plus my host family was very nice and also very patient with me. I learned much about the French people from them and improved my French, as well. |
| * Food: |
There were plenty of places to eat that were not so expensive and many other nicer restaurants, too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on many excursions around France with our program and I really enjoyed all of them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety and health was always very important to our program directors and our host families. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The only time I spoke English was with other American students. I used French in the classroom, at home, in the city, and in everyday interactions. That is what improved my French the most. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you really want to learn anything and improve your French you must speak often and study hard. |
