Caen Basse-Normandie, France: Where I studied, danced, and fell in love! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was good because most work was done in class. The grading system is out of 20 with a 10 as passing, and the highest given grade usually a 17. 20s are considered very rare to be given to any student, native or foreigner. Our teachers were all native french speakers and most of them were amazing. They knew how to engage us and get us speaking and writing the language. They expected alot of us which was very good and made us expect more from ourselves. Compared to some professors we have had in the U.S., we felt that these teachers had gone through training and certification to be a teacher. There were a few professors who were more like the university type and were more about their content area than teaching. But overall I knew I could go to certain teachers for anything.

On-site administration of your program

There was a student shuttle to pick us up, there were trips organized to explore France,a nice man and system with getting insurance, and there was a wonderful team of people in health services. However, the people who ran the dorms and the cleaning ladies who were not student workers, were not receptive or welcoming. The only other problem we had was orientation. I loved the french orientation because we actually just went to classes and did activities to see which level we would be placed in for the semester, however it would have been nice to have an orientation like in America where there is a tour of campus and meetings to meet other study abroad students. We had the fortune to meet a student who took us around campus and the city personally the second day. Others did not meet as many french or foreigner people and di not explore the city as much or just stayed with other americans, which ultimately hindered their french.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

To the first question, my liviing situation aided my language acquisition because I did nto see anyone else in my hall so I made myself meet other people in the building or other buildings. Either way, I would have done the same and mistly stayed out of my building in order to interact with others. I also spoke more english in the dorm because I made friends with american girls in my building. Then again, the buildings are all so very close that when I made friends, I would just go to their buildings and speak french, and then they introcued me to the people that they knew in their building. The city of caen is just a walk or tram ride away, it was amazing! Caen is small but there is still lots to do. I only needed to by cookware because sheets and blankets were provided. If you want hangers too you can buy them. I thought that city was pretty safe at night but you need to remember to use common sense. Caen is all about nightlife. There are streets dedicated to shopping, bars, clubs, and food.

I do not have any food allergies or restrictions, so I ate everything. At first, I felt like I was starving even though I was eating a lot. But after 1-2 weeks it went away and I felt normal again. I miss french food and especially desserts and breads everyday. There are boulangeries and restaurants right up the street behing the vissol building. Once you go into the city, there is everything available. Be aware that in France restaurants and stores in general close early and do not open sundays. There are no 24/7 diners like in America or even small convenient stores open at night.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Carnavl d`étudiant--every students should go whether they participe in the activities or not; there is nothing like it in the states. I suggest travelling to Paris and all over Europe like I did. Go on the trips that CEFE plans. Be open to everything and everyone.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Just keep common sense and you will be safe. We were safe overall and protected each other but I do think you have to be careful in the city around 4am. There are alot of students out but there is a port and people have drown by drunkenly falling in. I heard that in the past there were incidents that happened to students but they were alone and drunk, so again keep your common sense. Like anywhere, do not go alone,if you have too just stay in the well lit area. French police are known for their carelessness so do not rely on them, I saw a policeman push a man off of a bike before.

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

I spoke, thought, and wrote in French well after I left Caen. I practiced the language with teachers, french friends we made, daily workers/waiters/bartenders/farmers/families etc, and other people who studied abroad. While some people can speak english, French was the primary language and more people knew french than english. I used it everyday and loved it. To be certified to teach french, we had to reach the advanced low level on the OPI/OPIC. I received A level above, 2 levels below superior which would be a native speaker, of Advanced Medium.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Apartment
• Host Family
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• International Students

• The program was conducted all in French
• The university is located in the heart of the city so everything is close by
• The teachers- I know I could go to them if I needed

• Relationship between house cleaning and students
• Orientation of new students arriving, so they can meet each other!