France: The Best Time of My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The methods of learning are different from the US--not a lot of homework, few tests, little or no papers. This was fun at first, but it made every midterm/project/final weighted more highly, which was stressful at times. I find that my home university has better professors and better methods to get the most out of the classes offered, but my experience was still worth it. I adjusted to the European way easily enough, as would other students.

On-site administration of your program

My program made my experience the best of my life. Everything was extremely organized, and we had many activities included that made the price of the program more than worth it. My host program's advisors were always there when we needed them for questions big or small. I would recommend the program to anyone wanting to study abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in what was a mix between an apartment and a hotel. The rooms were small, but a lot of us in my program lived in one building, so it made it easy to meet people/hang out with them. The neighborhood (Antibes) was very safe, but the apartment we lived in was not as safe. There were three break-ins since we have been here, and the security is lacking. It was close enough to class (20 minute bus ride) and close enough to many nightlife options (in walking distance). You need to bring sheets and eventually need to buy your own products like toilet paper, garbage bags, etc.

There was no meal plan provided--we cooked for ourselves mostly.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Essentially everything I did was memorable. Antibes is located in between Cannes and Nice, which makes everything surrounding it a great area. The beaches are beautiful, and it is even a 5 hour train ride from Paris. My program took us on excursions all over the south of France (Aix en Provence, Avignon, Arles, etc.). The excursions were some of the things I liked most because they were included in the tuition we had paid and were well planned and executed.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safe except in my particular apartment from time to time. It was easy to go see a doctor (and with the healthcare coverage they make you purchase you get reimbursed fully for everything). My advisors helped with any medical issues they could. There were no prevalent health issues in my host country, and no vaccines were specifically needed.

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

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• Apartment
• Hotel
• Other

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• Americans
• Other

• Excursions
• The people
• Location

• Apartment-hotel situations