France: Definitely Broadened my View of Different Countries and Cultures Past Review
By Uzoamaka A (Health Science, SUNY - Stony Brook) for
Paul Valery University, Montpellier III: Montpellier - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I definitely learned alot from the experience. It definitely broadened my sense of the world and the people in it. It has made me more open and accepting of different people, cultures and points of view. This experience confirmed what I had in mind concerning plans I have for myself professionally. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would not hesitate.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching of the language was very interactive and well thought out. I was very fortunate to have an amazing French professor who only spoke French to the class which helped us get used to hearing the language on a regular basis. We were constantly learning by speaking and completing worksheets and playing games in class that help us learn faster. Overall great teaching of the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host program faculty were very accessible. The classes were small, making it easier to know the professor. Any needs that arose with the students were met as quickly as possible. Overall a very competent host program faculty. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm building was quite new, so the rooms themselves were very accommodating. We had our own personal bathrooms which was a big plus. Need to buy food items was dependent upon the student because we had access to food that we prepaid for. Nightlife and class were a few train stops away, and very easy to get to. |
| * Food: |
The food served at the university could have been better. Much of it was bland and not what I liked to eat. Because of this I bought more food than I anticipated I would. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions we went on were breathtaking. we saw many unique monuments and points of interests in south France like the castles in Carcassone and Pontu Guard. The excursions were the best part of the trip and our tour guides were compassionate and caring. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was fortunate enough not to have any health care issues. My only advice would be to say that there is safety in numbers. Always be with someone when going out, especially in the night. It is a lot safer. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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
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* 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring more money than you think you might need for case of emergencies. Take into consideration transportation expenses and purchases on food. Check and double check and triple check what your home institution is paying for and what is coming out of pocket when you get there. Be open to new things and new experiences because that is what study abroad is all about. I encourage everyone to try it. It is a life-changing experience. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Elementary French |
| Course Department: | FRN 111 |
| Instructor: | Fabian |
| Instruction Language: | French |
| Comments: | Being that I came to the country without knowing any French it was quite challenging. But his teaching techniques like game playing and worksheets helped me to learn what I did. We went on trips at least once a week to different parts of south France that opened my eyes to what was outside my small world here in the US. The teacher knew exactly what he was doing and how to teach which the evidence can be seen in the progress made by me and the fellow students in my class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No there were no credit transfer issues. My credits showed on my report about three weeks after I returned to the states and there was no problem. |
