The most rewarding experience ever. Past Review
By Ashley A (French Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 06/29/2015 to 07/24/2015 with
ISA Study Abroad in Lille, France
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about the culture. IT was great to get to study in another country and see how the education systems are different.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
No there were not any health issues specifically to the country and I did not need any vaccinations for this program. I did not have to use healthcare while in France. I had no health problems. |
| * Safety: |
I had no safety issue incident. the advice I would give is to really be cautious and use your common sense. |
| 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? | None because I stayed with a host family. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | no. |
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 |
We were very encouraged to use the language. In the classrooms we were only allowed to speak French. If we spoke English by accident, our professors would say, "No English allowed!" Only French until you are out of this classroom. Even when the course was over and you were leaving, you were still only allowed to speak French until you were out of the room completely. I loved this part of the program. I was glad that speaking any other language besides French in the classroom was forbidden. This way you learn French quickly and it's a good way for you to improve. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 300 |
| 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? | Really speak the language as much as possible. Immerse yourself in the language. Speak in your native language as little as possible. |
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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| 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? | Nothing |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
