France: Digging deeper to understand cultural norms, values, and habits. Past Review
By Sarah K (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) for
IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
This was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling semesters of my life. I'm so glad that I chose to study abroad through this specific program. I gained amazing opportunities and will always remember it. Through my french friends, host family, french classes, travel, and other study abroad students, I really learned how to absorb and understand french culture. I'm even thinking about spending a year in France after I graduate.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took 3 classes at the french university (Universite de Nantes), and two at my IES study abroad center. At the university, it was difficult to get to know the professor and the assignments were a little bizarre or irrelevant at times. However, they were very rewarding classes and i'm so glad that I took them. At the IES center, the classes were relatively easy and the professors were all very very helpful! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director was amazing! She got to know all of the students and provided us with opportunities to speak french and get to know the local culture. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
i LOVED my host family! THey were in an excellent location (right near a gorgeous park), they were sooooo nice, and really helped improve my french language skills. I honestly felt like a family member when I was living there. |
| * Food: |
If i could give this more "globes" I would. My host mom was an amazing chef, and every meal was practically a 6 course affair. I told my friends and family back home about every meal I ate because it was all so delicious! Typical meal: entree of some vegetable or soup, main course of meat, fish, pasta, salad, cheese platter, homemade bread, and dessert. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips were amazing (go on them!), there were weekly special events, and all in all, the best part of this program is the social/cultural opportunities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe and healthy. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe 30-40 euros...We provided our own lunches and going out on the weekends costed money too. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Can't think of any... |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 32 (literature class) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My program really encouraged practicing french, and at the study abroad center, it was mandatory to speak french with everyone! I ended up even speaking french with my american friends outside of the center. Additionally, I had french friends who only spoke french, my host family didn't even know english, and I pretty much spoke french all of the time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | One who wants to improve french, understand french culture, and really "live" in a different environment (as opposed to just being a tourist). |
