The Nice-est Place in France Past Review
By Paige (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 04/29/2016 with
IES Abroad: Nice Direct Enrollment - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis
As for Nice itself, the city is absolutely incredible. I was never out of things to do, see, or explore, and I honestly cannot wait to go back someday. From the food to the sea to the mountains to the convenience of having an airport just a short bus ride away, Nice is the perfect location for travel bugs.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed my classes, but French school definitely took some getting used to! |
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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: |
French food is always delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were very involved with the locals, but sometimes when they realized we were Americans, they would try and practice their English with us instead. Not really what you want when you're trying to learn French! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never once felt unsafe while in Nice. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I honestly had the time of my life while studying abroad through this IES program. My directors were friendly, helpful, and always encouraging. We got to learn and experience the new culture together, as well, considering I was a part of the second semester EVER to happen with IES in Nice. Through all of the twists and turns of culture shock, my directors were there--I definitely will never be able to thank them enough for that. |
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) |
It was expensive there, but having most of my meals taken care of through homestay was good. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | JUST DO IT. It may stink when your friends go out every weekend and get pizza and/or drinks, but you'll be the one laughing and enjoying gelato in Nice without one ounce of regret! |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Use the language as much as you can, and stay off of social media! It really helped to try and immerse myself as much as possible. |
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? | I can survive anywhere in the world, and that's a crazy comforting thing to know! Take chances! |
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.' |
