A life-changing four months Past Review

By Meghan S (French Language and Literature, Ursinus College) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/21/2014 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

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

I learned so much about myself during my semester abroad and definitely became a more confident person. I am also very proud of how much my French improved, and that alone made it worthwhile. I also gained an understanding of French culture that I didn't have before but really appreciate now, and I made great friends I still keep in touch with.

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.	The program was not overly rigorous academically, but it was very interesting, provided a challenge, and offered a variety of courses of study.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was great and very welcoming. My host mother cooked special dishes so I could taste typical French cuisine, and one weekend, they took a friend and me to stay at a villa on the Mediterranean Sea! I didn't live directly in the center city, so I had a bit of a commute, and going out was sometimes more expensive because I had to pay for taxis, but it wasn't too bad. Overall, a good experience!
* Food:	French food is amazing. American bread will never taste the same.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I think if I had lived in the center city I might have been a little more integrated, but I got to know Aix really well and made some great French friends! My language partners really helped with integration, and I had a friend who had studied at my university who lives in Aix who showed me around a lot too.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I never had any healthcare issues, but my friends who got sick found help and treatment pretty easily.
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe in Aix. It's a city, so you have to be smart about where you are, and I never went anywhere alone when it was late, but I never had any issues.
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)	Aix is an expensive city. You can get by without spending much money, or you can spend a lot of money without realizing it. The most important thing is to budget well. I had to pay for my lunch every day and dinner twice a week, plus taxis if I wanted to stay out late more than once a week, so probably spent between 50 and 100 euros each week. However, I know people who went out to lunch every day and went to clubs frequently, and they spend a lot more. It is really up to you to decide how much you want to spend, but be prepared to spend some.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	50 to 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't go out for lunch every day. You can buy food at the market or Monoprix and make lunch in the kitchen. That's also fun because then you can eat with your friends in the garden.

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	We had to sign a language contract saying we would speak French the whole time, and it was enforced. Plus, all our classes were in French. I never spoke English at school, and I rarely spoke it anywhere else.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
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?	400 level Capstone course
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?	Start listening to French music and reading French news before you go. Then, when you're there, make a conscious effort to speak as much French as possible, and don't give up mid-sentence because you don't know a word. Think of another way to say it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	French cooking class My new friends (both American and French) Weekend excursions led by the program
* What could be improved?	Funding for students placed outside of center city Opportunities for students to give feedback
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known just how expensive Aix is. It's not unmanageable, but I might have saved a little more money the summer before if I had realized just how much I would have to spend.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	The French Feminine Archetype
Course Department:
Instructor:	Marie-Anne Rossignol
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	This course was fantastic and was my favorite during the program. We studied French female writer through history, as well as what it means to be a French woman today. Marie-Anne is so knowledgeable and is always excited about the topic. I have also found this class to be most helpful and applicable to my studies at Ursinus upon my return.
Credit Transfer Issues: