French coming of age story Past Review
By Lourdes M (political science and french, Williams College) - abroad from 08/13/2012 to 05/06/2013 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
You learn more about yourself and the world outside of the classroom than you could ever dream of from a textbook. It was a beautiful, enriching experience that made me who I am today.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program tried very hard to keep all communication in French. However, it depends on your own perseverance and the group dynamics. The classes were entertaining and diverse, the professors were patient and talented. |
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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? |
The first semester I was with a family and it was difficult to connect with them. That's simply a risk one takes in studying abroad, although it would have been nice to have some form of school-managed interaction programs. |
| * Food: |
You're in France. It's delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Aix (and Marseille) is youthful and there are plenty of opportunities to meet people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In Aix (less so in Marseille) walking around at 4:00 AM was completely safe, as a woman there was barely any harassment and no feeling of danger. |
| 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) |
The city is not expensive. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Find scholarships, live frugally. |
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 |
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| 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? | RLFR 103 |
| 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? | Find locals. Through couchsurfing or any means necessary! |
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?
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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? | The most important part of studying abroad is being courageous. You made the leap to travel to a foreign country, don't stop there. Keep trying things you'd never think of-- Yoga, volunteering, etc. It'll make the experience more than a simple study abroad. |
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.' |
