A Great Semester in France Past Review
By A student (Tulane University) - abroad from 01/14/2012 to 05/13/2012 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
language, and cultural understanding. everything i could have wanted from my experience abroad and more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very attentive and knowledgeable staff, course work comprehensive and interesting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
very available, receptive to feedback |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
families chosen very well based on interests. |
| * Food: |
yum! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
much more integrated than i would have felt in another program, but still a bit like a foreigner |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
never had a problem |
| * Safety: |
never had a problem, Aix is very safe! just be smart. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
A lot of going out is pretty much compulsory. Though the meal plan is rather expensive, it does not cover all meals during the week, so it's required that you eat outside your host family Friday and Saturday nights. This is according to the program, but many host families are less strict about exactly when not to eat there. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | give yourself a set budget per week for groceries, entertainment, etc, especially when you're travelling. Do not go over your spending limit! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Compulsory. |
| 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? | Unsure...it doesn't really translate directly |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Engage your host family and other French speakers. avoid "franglais" with the other American students. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | homesickness happens |
