Great place to learn French Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 01/11/2011 to 05/21/2011 with

CIEE: Rennes - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
French language skills

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All classes were taught in French, many different topics were cover- speaking, writing, listening comprehension... some classes were dull, but I understood their purpose in the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site staff was excellent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The metro stopped running around 1230am... there were night buses, but they didn't go to many of the suburbs that us Americans lived in. I ended up walking home (about an hour) some late nights, but I never felt too too unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

France is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper level (1000-level)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't cave in and speak English with other Americans!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Improving my French
  • Classes with international students
* What could be improved?
  • I know many students who had issues with their host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? PACK LIGHT

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!