Wow. Past Review
By Timothy L (Psychology & French, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/15/2014 with
ISEP Exchange: Rennes - Exchange Program at Université de Rennes 2 (Haute-Bretagne)
I learned a lot about myself, I have become less shy and open to more experience. I have learned to question things, and see things more from a different perspective.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took French and Psych classes... I would recommend only French classes, but if you want, I would go Fall semester, Licence 1 classes if you want to take Psychology classes. Only because their courses continue from semester to semester, and year to year. Unlike how we do at UWL. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Disorganized. What you can expect from a French institution. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was nice, but be sure to be thorough in your cleaning at the end of the semester. They charged me 50 euro for some things that took 5 minutes to clean. |
* Food: |
They give you a 320 euro stipend a month for food. The first and last month are pro-rata. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I LOVED RENNES AND THE BRITTANY REGION OF FRANCE. It is arguable the most unique region in France. :) |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Well it kind of sucks that you have to buy ISEP's healthcare plan as well as sign up for the Sécu. It's kind of expensive and feels like a waste of money if you don't get sick. |
* Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40 Euro |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at the Restaurant-U for Lunch. It is cheap and you get a lot for your money. However, food in general is very cheap in France. |
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 |
It was an exchange program, in regular university classes. I used French all of the time. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
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? | FRE 430 |
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? | Listen to French radio, conversation tables with French club. Find a speaking buddy. Reach out to foreign exchange students at your home university. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How their university class system is structured, so that I avoided choosing classes that were too advanced for me. |
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! |