Avignon: expérience of a lifetime Past Review
By Taeyoung K (Social Studies, Harvard University) for
Bryn Mawr: Avignon - Institut d'études Françaises d'Avignon
After this summer, I realized that I want to study French literature in more depth. So I'm currently considering studying Romance Literature Languages (French) as my secondary. It definitely widened my perspective about the world and I feel like I have matured a little into a more emphatic person.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | none |
| 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. |
There were a lot of writing assignments, and since I wasn't used to writing lengthy essays in french frequently, it was a little difficult in the beginning. Still, my writing skills improved a lot. The grading system was pretty arbitrary and I thought I could use more detailed feedback. Both of my classes were lecture style, without any visual help like powerpoint or handouts. The professors encouraged participation by asking questions or sharing our opinions, but usually it was mostly lecture-based, which is a big difference between the french and american education systems. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the program directors and assistants were very helpful. They were always easily accessible, supportive and got things done asap. They tried very hard to meet the students' needs and gave their best effort to answer our questions about the town, the country, logistics of the programs, travel issues, academic concerns, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
N/A |
| * Food: |
N/A |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed visiting Marseille and going to watch the Opera at an ancient Roman amphitheater. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Avignon is not a very dangerous town, but girls should not walk around by themselves after 12pm. |
| 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? | lunch: 6 euros x 7 = 42 euros/wk weekend excursions/personal expenses: 50~100 euros/wk |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | buy your tickets in advance, use Banque national Paribas if you have an account at Bank of America, create a budget before you leave, use cash instead of card, there's usually no tipping unless you go to a fancy restaurant. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 55: Business French |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced speaking French with my professors, my host family, and with other students when the teachers were around. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who are really interested in the curriculum and learning about french culture will benefit the most. Avignon is really not a youth-friendly, european-crazy-fun place. |
