Past Review
By Elizabeth S (French/International Relations, Clark University) for
Centre International d'Etudes Francaises (CIDEF): Dijon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I love to travel and no matter what I think it is worthwhile. You gain independance and an understanding of different cultures.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Burgundy |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
For someone who was already close to fluent it was too language focused. I had hoped for more opportunities to take regular university classes in French. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was not enough communication between host country and home university |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family and other international students. I was right in the city center and really enjoyed the opportunity to use my French. |
| * Food: |
She was an amazing cook and was senstitive to the needs of my Muslim roomate |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The CIEF organized trips were great as were my own trips. One of the best parts of Europe is the ability to easily travel. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
When I needed a doctor my university helped me find one. France's healthcare system is very open to foreigners. Dijon is a very safe place. When traveling it is important to take precautions. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Just being in a country for a year my French became fluent. I spoke french everyday most of the day |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to work on language skills it is great. The classes can be boring for a year though. |
