An Unforgettable Semester in the South of France Past Review

By (University of Tennessee - Chattanooga) - abroad from 08/26/2017 to 11/18/2017 with

IPSL: France - French Language & Culture and Euro-Mediterranean Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better knowledge of the French language and culture, as well as amazing memories that I will never forget.

Review Photos

IPSL: Montpellier - Study Abroad + Service Learning in France Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very nice and friendly

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was very nice. My host family always made great dinners.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Carefully budget.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate French Grammar
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? Meet and try to talk to a new person in French every day.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • The location of the school
  • The service placement
* What could be improved?
  • I should be able to see what my grades are as I'm taking the classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? .