Everyone should do it! I’d go again. April 05, 2023
By Victoria M (Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Queens University of Charlotte) - abroad from 09/01/2022 to 12/20/2022 with
ISEP Exchange: Lille - Exchange Program at Lille III (Université Charles de Gaulle)
I learned how to adapt to new suitaitons
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. |
They did offer a wide range of classes in English. Classes were difficult to adjust to. They met only once a week with grades based on mid-terms and finals. There is little to no homework compared to US universities. The grading scale is much stricter than in the US with little room for error. They use a scale of 20 with grades higher than 16-17 rare. Communication about classes was stressful as rooms would change without warning and international students had no guaranteed spots in classes. Advisors and Professors varied in responding to emails. It was better to talk to them in-person as some wouldn’t see or read the email. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The advisor for our program was nice and was also a teacher in the Angellier Department. There was not a lot a communication outside of necessary documents and stipend. Sometimes it took a bit to get the stipend. I wish they would’ve arranged events for us to meet and get to know one another. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My room was a single with a private bath and kitchen. It was nice having been living in double at my home university. It was convient to have a kitchen and my own bathroom. Room was very small but compact. Not a lot of room but good use of space. |
| * Food: |
Food was amazing. Campus food was cheap and tasty. Crossants were so much better than US ones. Desserts are out of control. Food at the grocery stores is cheap and fresh. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated in the local culture as I had to ride the metro to class, get groceries, and use French to order food. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think the metro was safe and my dorm was safe. I however, I recommend not going to the grocery store before closing. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had an amazing time making friends who I want to stay in contact with. I had always dreamed of studying abroad so this was my chance. |
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 somewhat easy as it was deposited into a debit card. However, Money at times took a bit to be put in and the stipend needed to be supplemented. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries in bulk and cook with them. It’s cheaper than eating out. |
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 |
I had to use French to communicate to get food. I was hearing it everywhere making me understand it more. However, signing up for the French class in the semester was difficult and confusing. It would have helped to do it. |
| 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? | I had done three of French in high school with two semesters in college |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make French friends to learn French. if you have American or English friends, try speaking French with them to improve. |
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? | 0 |
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 think making sure to pack a pillow. I didn’t bring one and had to sleep on jackets for the first night. Also bring a fan. Doesn’t have to be electric. It gets hot there and they do not have A/C like US so be warned. There are heaters for the winter though. One last thing, if you go during the fall, you will miss Thanksgiving. No the French do not celebrate it and No you cannot easily find turkey or pie. It was difficult as my family was celebrating without me. I felt most alone at thanksgiving as its a US holiday. I recommend having a meal with friends to celebrate or invite family then as most people are off that week. |
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! |
