Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There is barely any homework or assignments. But it gets difficult at the end of the semester when you take your exams which are 100% of your final grade. The schools regular professors aren't really interested or helpful with the internstional students but the classes that are especially for foreign students have teachers that are very helpful and accomodating.

On-site administration of your program

The "administration" consisted of one guy, Guillaume DuSeigneur and he was so helpful, so approachable and so funny. No one else really bothers with you but he really took care of us with things ranging from visa problems all the way to dates of final exams. Hes really knowledgeable about the misconseptions that Americans come with and good at explaining the difference between the 2 systems. The program has a lot of international students, and the French students arent that welcoming but as far as administration, its great.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I rented a room in a house

It was nice to be independent and cook all the food I loved.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the international students were really nice and since theres no homework theres always time to go out and have fun. You also have a lot of say in picking out your schedule so you can easily choose all late classes. There's always a party going on somewhere and plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs and stuff to do in terms of night life. Its hard to make local friends though. It takes a big effort.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There are bad areas (Wazemmes, Gambetta) and unsafe things happen in those areas but it really depends on the area. Vielle Lille, Centre ville were some safe areas. The area near the school actually isn't that nice of an area at all. You woudln't want to be there at night but its totally fine during the days. I didn't really deal with healthcare issues. Just make sure you have a translated birth certificate if you chose SMENO service.

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

My listening comprehension improved tremendously because of attending all of my courses in French. That is something I really recommend. But outside of the classroom, all of the international students all spoke English amongst themselves. And since i wasn't required to participate in class unless I had a question for the teacher (almost taboo), I wasn't required to speak French unless i was speaking to my neighbors or going to the grocery store or speaking with one of the few students that didn't already speak English.

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• Local Students