Merveilleux! Past Review
By Graham H (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/28/2012 to 05/20/2012 with
Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France
Absolutely worth while! I gained lifelong friendships with my host family, and with my fellow American students.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
Ms. Abonnel was the best host mother EVER. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My host parents went WELL out of their way to help me to feel at home and to include me in their daily lives and their family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| * 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? | 30 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy from markets and bring your own lunch. |
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 |
My host parents went out of their way to help me learn French outside of class. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Elementary French II |
| 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? | Try not to speak English at all, even with other American students and you'll learn the host language a lot more quickly. |
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?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Don't worry about spending money, do everything and experience everything you possibly can. |
