Angers: A Great Start! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much during my time in Angers. Université Catholique de l'Ouest is amazing and I loved my professors. I learned more French in my 4 months then I had in my previous two years of study at my home university! The focus on speaking helped my experience so much, and I gained a confidence that I had not expected. It completly prepared me for my advanced studies when I returned.

On-site administration of your program

The site director is AMAZING! and always there to help however she can. There are also assistants who are locals who offer even more insight into Angers. People in the other programs at the school often would ask us (AHA participants) what was going on since we always knew because of our site director!(who by the way has been there for over 20 years so she knows EVERYONE)

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The site director works really hard to make sure house placements are good fits well before we showed up. I lived in an condo/apartment with my hsot parents, and had about a 15-20 walk to the campus, and 30 to downtown/nightlife. I always felt super safe and just made sure to stay aware of where I was. I only had to buy toiletries, everything else was provided, and I had a shelf in the fridge too. My host family was wonderful and I came to feel like their granddaughter or niece, however, I feel that bond would have been even greater had I arrived with better French skills.

Some of the best food ever! I did learn I was allergic to some of the main ingrediants(liek buckwheat) however, the food I did have was great and I still crave it all the time (over a year later!). That said, there were a few surprises (like the raw only cooked meats) but it didn't take long to learn. Only downside is the school cafeteria was mediocore and inconvienant, but there are a ton of places nearby to get food or to eat what you bring from home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursions were some of my favorite things! From the castles, to Normandy, to the cave dinner and zoo, I can't believe hwo many cool things we got to see. Also, International Night was sooo cool since there were students from so many places around the world.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up getting strep throat shortly after I arrived and the site director helped me a ton! Including going to the doctor and pharmacy with me. A few others got sick while I was there too and they all had an easy time getting to the doctor and their meds. Safety wise, you just need to be aware that things will get stolen if you leave them somewhere, so just keep track of your stuff. Also, it is good to go to bars/clubs/travel with at least another person as sometimes the guys can be very insistent.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

In addition to my host parents who only spoke French, the majority of my interaction with locals was also in French, including people at the gym I joined. While people would speak English to me sometimes, especially at the beginning since my French was minimal, by the time I left I was able to converse with pretty much anyone. Also, my classes were full of other international students who I became fast friends with, and of course we had to speak French!

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• Host Family

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• Host Family