My Experience Studying in France Past Review
By Elizabeth K (French Language and Literature., Truman State University) for
L'Universite Catholique de l'Ouest / Catholic University of the West: Angers - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about the culture and lifestyle. I plan to return to France to visit more of the country.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was way different in France. A 14/20 is considered very good, and a 12/20 is still OK. Being an American student, seeing a 14/20 was quite worrisome. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My professor was accessible to discuss the program and what preparations I needed to make. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
The restaurants are very good, but a lot are expensive. However, there are a lot of kebab/burger places that offer a full meal for 5 euros, and bakeries often have very good sandwiches for around 3 euros. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program had several Saturday trips to various sights around France for under $100. I got to visit Normandy where D-Day took place and that I was very happy that the program offered that opportunity. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The area in which I stayed was very safe. I didn't need healthcare while abroad, and I didn't need any vaccines. |
| 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? | I probably spent between 30 and 40 euros a week on food, and maybe another 20 euros on shopping or other expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I wish I had known about all the Saturday trips that the program offered so I could have saved more money and gone on more of them. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
