A Semester in Provence: An incredible, immersed experience Past Review
By Mitchell M (Economics-Mathematics, Colby College) - abroad from 09/05/2015 to 12/20/2014 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
The capacity to understand not only another language, but also the intricacies of a different culture. It was extremely worthwhile and I am positive many of the relationships I formed will last a lifetime.
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. |
Intense but very fulfilling. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family completely changed the experience for me. |
| * Food: |
Homestay, restaurants, boulangeries, markets all great |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Easily accessible, affordable, and helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Felt completely comfortable the whole semester, only downside is that my friend was indeed robbed |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 50-70 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend all your money at the very beginning but do spend it all on food, travel, etc. |
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 |
Language pledge |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 100-level college course |
| 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? | Avoid using English as much as possible |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | There's a lot to be learned from being in a foreign setting and culture if you are willing to put yourself into a situation that you may not necessarily be comfortable with. Il faut profiter du temps qu'on a. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
