Personal Growth in the French Alps Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall I found that the French education system that I experienced at Universite Stendhal to be very different (in the fact that we did more listening and vocabulary-building activites) and much more challenging and enriching than the American system. I enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to hone oral comprehension and production skills that otherwise get overlooked in many average American universities. The only aspect of my classes that took away a star in my rating was the fact that since I was in level B1.9, our activites by default did not include any literature analysis activites as those in the B2 levels did. As I majored in French (with the intent to pursue linguistic graduate study), I would've very much liked the opportunity to build some literature analysis skills,specifically, in the host country.

On-site administration of your program

*I would rate this 4.75 stars given that the administration was very good in my opinion(Please see "What could be improved" below for the 0.25). I did not experience a large need for support services (other than regarding health - please see below). My program director excelled in knowledge about the Host country/region, and positively contributed to my excellent learning experience!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host family location was great - just minutes from downtown. The only items I needed to buy were personal toiletries (bedsheets, towel, pillow provided). I was treated first as a guest, and then moreso as a family member as the program went on and as my language skills also improved. They were always willing to listen and help me with any difficulties I had with the language. They enjoy having students and helping them learn about the culture and region.

My host mom made excellent and filling dinners! She took care to prepare some of the more traditional regional French dishes such as Raclette, Crepes, and Fondue as well. The food that I experienced in the city was top, too! Although expensive, multiple-course French dinners can't be beat (you have to fine dine at least once!), the pizza and pasta from your corner restaurant is absolutely delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The highlights of my sejour were definitely the CEA trips highlighting the main cultural attractions of Grenoble (such as the Bastille) and the immediate region (such as the famous Chartreuse Monastery). The most memorable trip, however, was our Aix-en-Provence - region visit in which we visited the French Foreign Legion in Aubagne, Paul Cezanne's Studio, and of course, hiked near Montagne Sainte-Victoire!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Regarding safety: Overall Grenoble is a safe city. However, in France, it is generally safer downtown than in the suburbs and common sense should still be used when travelling anywhere - especially in a foreign country. Regarding health: I thought I had appendicitis once, and had to go to the Grenoble ER. I got in almost immediately and was admitted despite my non-citizen status and no French health insurance. Overall it wasn't bad (I mean, who likes being in hospitals anyways?) - I got an I.V., waited for a night for my fever to pass, then left the next day with a prescription. It was easy (and cheaper than the US) to get my meds at the Pharmacy. However, the hospital visit wasn't free: I paid a little over 1,000 USD (to be reimbursed by my american insurance) after they sent me the bill later. Regarding health issues addressed through the program: When I got sick, my program director instructed me exactly where to go and what to do, and it was up to me (since I am an adult afterall) to get myself to the hospital and explain my health issues to the staff there. My director also stayed in contact with my host family letting them know where I was and how I was doing and also picked me up from the hospital the next day.

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

The CEA Language and Culture program allows students to take advantage of language classes at the Universite Stendhal. These classes are designed specifically to improve French language skills and to prepare students for the nationally recognized DELF & DALF exams which certify proficiency in four core areas (Oral Comprehension, Oral Production, Written Comprehension, and Written Production) and are optionally given at the end of the semester. At the end of this program I was able to pass the DELF B1 (and went on to pass the DELF B2 a few months later in the US). Regarding on how much you are able to use French in everyday interactions: that really depends on you. The CEA and Universite Stendhal program definitely encourages it - with not only language-specific classes, but also with art, politics, and translation classes in French. There are also CEA day trips which increase foreign language exposure. However, IN ADDITION TO taking classes, I chose to stay with a French family which helped immensely. I also found a French student with whom I did a FRE-ENG tutoring exchange. I also traveled and explored which improved my basic communication skills in addition to giving me confidence in speaking and understanding others.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Quality of language instruction at Universite Stendhal 3
• My host family was awesome!
• Field Trips/exposure to regional cultural sites

• Offer more opportunities to connect with native French students
• Be more explicit; a better connection for those who would like to sit in classes for native speakers in various other subjects