Study Abroad Experience in Caen, France: Challenging but Worth it! Past Review

By cherie e (PSYCHOLOGY., University of North Dakota) for

École de Management de Normandie: Le Havre - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was very worth while. I think the most challenging part was dealing with the unknown when it came up. This experience has made me want to return and travel more not in France but throughout the world.

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.	It was a great but very challenging experience. I was there for 6 weeks and took only French language courses. It was very fast paced and serious compared to my experience learning different languages in the United States. The teachers were very helpful and the classes were in-depth and small. So you were to sure to get the individualized attention you need. In my program, there was no tests and very little homework, but a DELF exam at the end of 6 weeks. It was broken up into two, 3 week sessions and you could do one or both. There was multiple levels you could be placed in depending on the level you are at. I was moved up to the next level after the first session and did not feel prepared at the end of the second session to take the DElF at that level.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The support services on campus were very helpful whenever I had a question or problem.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I did not need to buy sheets/ blankets/ pillows. However, cookware and toiletries you were expected to. There are multiple dorms you can be placed in. The dorm I was in was very close to the building I was in everyday. The campus is walkable to any on campus activity and within walkable distance to town or night life. The tram was also very useful, there is a stop right on campus. However, there are multiple campuses so it could vary depending on the campus you are on.
* Food:	There were dining centers but the hours were very odd and I found the food average. I preferred to buy and make my own food. Eating out in town is always a option, but sometimes there could be odd hours as well.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There were several field trips around town that introduced the group to the area. I would highly recommend going to them.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I had no healthcare problems while abroad and I needed no vaccines. I felt very safe on campus and around the city. I had no problem walking by myself.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	I practiced the language daily in and out of the classroom. There were people from all over the world and so sometimes French was the only language, in common. It was a great way to practice. There was weekend field trips you could go on with the professors and it was expected that you speak French with the professors.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?