More determined than ever to go back! Past Review

By A student (Anthropology., Truman State University) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 07/14/2012 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France

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

This summer greatly increased my speaking and comprehension abilities, and deepened my love of the French language and culture. More than ever, I am determined to return to live long-term in Southern France.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)
* 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?	60 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Eat as much as possible at home for breakfast and supper, and bring snack food for a light lunch away from home. Don't be afraid to barter at the open markets, you can get a much better price this way, and it will mark you as less of a tourist.

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
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?	FREN 320
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?	Join French club, and practice speaking and listening. Also, listen to the radio, or watch movies / shows in French to build oral comprehension.

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 International Students
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?	Speaking the language Living the culture Exploring the area
* What could be improved?	uhhh....
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Break in my shoes before walking 20min to class every day.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	FRA 301/301
Course Department:
Instructor:	Lorraine, Philippe
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Lots of busy work, and more challenging than I think it should have been.
Credit Transfer Issues: