Best decision of my life thus far August 28, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was very hard to adjust to such a new style of learning that I experienced in this program. I did not feel that my home institution had an adequate understanding of the high academic rigor I was experiencing in my program. While I was assisted in obtaining a tutor for my classes (which I really enjoyed having and felt was imperative for my success), I should not have been at the level I was at. I feel I should have been in License 2 and not License 3. However, when choosing my courses before leaving for France, no one at Middlebury was able to explain to me the courses I might be taking and how my previous coursework at Middlebury would or would not prepare me for my courses in France. This is partially due to the fact that not many students have participated in the Poitiers program, however I was not prepared for the intensity of my courses. I also feel that we would have been better served if we had had our orientation, or at least part of it, before getting to France. It was overwhelming to arrive in a new country, a new time zone, etc. and have 4 days of orientation. Some of the info also would have been helpful to have known before leaving the United States. Like I said, my tutor was incredibly helpful and me taking advantage of meetings with professors and other students helped me succeed in my courses. However, I did not feel prepared to jump into my classes. I would have liked to have had a better understanding of how the French system works.

On-site administration of your program

We did not have on-site administration from the United States.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I adored living with my host family! They helped me get settled and made it a lot easier to integrate myself into French culture.

My host family cooked something new virtually every day and I was able to learn so much about French culture through cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Participating in activities with my host family was so important for me in terms of integrating myself with the local culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick at one point and, with my host dad being a doctor, it was so easy for my host mom to help me get an appointment. I was able to go the same day and get COVID tested and was treated very kindly. I also never felt like the language barrier prevented me from getting good health care. The provider was very patient with me when I was trying to explain my symptoms in a new language and I appreciated that a lot.

I never felt unsafe here, and I walked the streets alone at night often.

Poitiers was the perfect size of city for me, and it was the only program that allowed me to continue studying chemistry while abroad. I also had an invaluable experience living with a host family and I felt that this program allowed me to integrate more easily into my host country.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I rarely found myself in a situation where I was required to spend money. Anything I spend was for personal pleasure like getting a drink with friends or going out to eat.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We signed the language pledge, which meant we were only able to speak French the whole time.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students

• My host family
• The Lab Research Project
• Food

• Communication between host and local institution
• On-site advising (currently nonexistent)
• Orientation, including getting information sooner than we did this year