Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm already applying for my French passport Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 06/20/2016 to 07/22/2016 with

Lille Catholic University: Lille - European Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely it was worthwhile. It really made me connect with the French half of myself. I felt like I was at home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class was challenging enough. Not too easy, but not too stressful. They did a good job with the placement exams

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms there were excellent and the French system for student residences was ingenious.

* Food:

Obviously the food outside of the university is something to live and die for, I mean you're in France right? However, the food provided at the university cafeteria was cheap, but the quality wasn't great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am half French and I have been to France for at least 2 weeks every year since I was born so assimilation was not a problem at all. I felt like I was in my second home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got injured or sick, but I do know that France has a socialized healthcare system that is much more organized and much easier to access than here in the US. I have 3 cousins who are nurses in France.

* Safety:

Even the sketchiest of areas still felt pretty safe, but at the moment I would advise students to be cautious as Lille currently is a danger zone for terrorism and ISIS activity in Western Europe. I had no problems personally, but it was clear that the government was on the lookout. For example, there was extremely rigorous security and riot police the fan zone and on the streets during the Euro Cup matches. Also, an annual event that is hosted in all large french cities called the Fireman's Ball was canceled due to a high risk of a terror attack.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The program was absolutely amazing, but there is more in this world to experience. If I get a chance to study abroad again, I would probably choose either Brazil or Australia. Those are 2 countries I will visit before I die.

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)

France is an MDC and has a high standard of living, but food is much cheaper there than in the US, the TGV (the national high speed rail system) and all other methods of public transportation in France are extremely convenient and are highly affordable, and many locations provide discounts to students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 or so
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep your student ID that the university gives you on you always. You never know where that can get you a discount

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

Absolutely no English in the French class

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 3 in High School
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? If there is a French student organization on campus, go visit and make some friends there. You can practice speaking French in a real world setting rather than just in a classroom. Languages are learned better through experience than through lectures in my opinion

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The people I met
  • The environment of a French city
  • The fact that I was there during the Euro Cup
* What could be improved?
  • Cafeteria Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more french because I felt like I really fit into the French culture.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.