Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By Yvonne Carrillo (Rice University) - abroad from 01/09/2019 to 05/04/2019 with
IES Abroad: Nantes - French Language Immersion & Area Studies
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My French improved significantly in the four months I lived in Nantes! I also made plenty of French friends and engaged in many cultural events that allowed me to get to know the city better.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In Nantes, many of us would go to the local boulangerie to buy sandwiches and they had a student discount. Going to the grocery store for pre-made sandwiches was also a great, cheap option! |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 300-level college course |
| 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? | I would advise future students to practice their French before going by listening to the news and watching movies in French! It will help improve your French comprehension skills. |
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?
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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? | When I arrived in France, I was very afraid to speak to locals because I did not want to make mistakes. I only got over it by embracing my imperfect French. I wish someone had told me not to be afraid to make mistakes, because you will find a way to make yourself understood. Also, don’t be afraid to have new experiences you won’t be able to have elsewhere. |
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.' |
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