I learned to love the people. Past Review
By A student (French Language and Literature., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 06/28/2013 to 08/25/2013 with
Brigham Young University: France International Internships
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized that french is not just something to study. In fact, it became much less and much more than that. It is just a background, a base for people's lives, yet it is also a form of communication that can link you to millions of wonderful people. I also learned that life is an adventure. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, experience, explore, and just live. Don't get bogged down or depressed with the difficult things you find (especially in this internship working with the elderly who were often lonely, sick, or handicapped.) Find the joy in human connection and the beauty of a new country.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Anywhere from 15 to 100 euro depending on whether I travelled or bought souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to travel or have some spending money, bring more than you think you need. Travel is particularly expensive in Europe, even when it's not leisure travel. Take into account trains to the airport etc. Also, don't go out to eat every night or even every week. You can easily spend a week's worth of grocery money on one meal. Limit yourself to once every two weeks or once a month. |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 433- Studies in French Linguistics |
| 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? | Make a rule on the first day that you will not speak English (or your native language) outside if the house. Even if we were continuing a conversation that had started in English inside, the moment we opened the door, we could only speak French. Also, try to speak French at home too. Even if you need to switch to English to better explain something, let French become your quotidian language. It is remarkable the changes that you will see. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I had known that you just need to live life as it comes. Don't get caught up in the past or the future. Don't get caught up in correcting every grammar mistake, but seek to be the best and do the best things you can. Every situation can be amazing id you let it be. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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