A Unique Experience in Menton Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This campus is a unique set up and certainly different than if you are used to a large university like I was. There is a small library but mostly I used my home university's online databases to do research. The courses really just depend but overall the way they are structured means less daily work and instead just a few large grades throughout the semester which can be somewhat stressful if you are not used to that kind of set up. It seems like rigorous because you have classes once a week for longer periods of time instead of the M/W/F and T/TH if you are used to that. The university is very focused to the students around you are very knowledgable on political science and middle east studies so sometimes some catching up is needed, especially if your degree is unrelated to these things.

On-site administration of your program

It's France, things are different and that can be frustrating in many ways. The administration is small and willing to help but english is not their first language so it is helpful to try to communicate first in french. There is often lack of communication between schools so know what your own university expects of you going in because chances are the host administration will not know those procedures or requirements. The are also willing to help with questions unrelated to the university if you need help with housing, or are looking for a doctor or have general questions about those kinds of procedures.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Villa Jasmin which is one of the all girl dorms in Menton. The dorm itself is clean and well maintained but a huge downside is that they were very strict on guests when I was there (although apparently it differed in previous years). We had issues with food going missing and also people not keeping the kitchen clean but other than that no major issues. I would say that if you want to be able to host things or have significant others over then try to find an apartment, but for the four months I was there the dorm was a great option in terms of cost and convenience.

There is no food on campus because it is quite small, there are only coffee machines and vending machines. The food in Menton is good, somewhat limited for cheap food as it is a small town, but overall the grocery store had what you would need and the cheap cheese and wine and fresh produce was a definite plus.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fairly integrated, my french was not great so that makes it difficult but the town is small and the campus life is active so you know many students and have things to do. The shop owners are mostly Italian and speak english for the most part and are usually very nice, as are the residents of the town.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The system is different, in Menton I would get recommendations from other students if you need a doctor, do not go to the one they have you go to for your school physical. If you submit the forms they give you after your appointment you will get your copay back, and the admin at the university can help with that.

Menton is a small town with only students and retired people so it is very safe. Take the normal safety precautions if you are out alone super late but overall I never felt unsafe.

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

I think it depends on your lifestyle. If you want to be social and such it can get pricey because you are eating out and buying alcohol or train tickets to get to Nice or Monaco etc. and the events put on by the school usually cost money but are worth going to so that factors in. Groceries in general for eating at home can be about $50 a week if you do not make super elaborate meals.

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

I did not have classes in french so that part did not include using the language but being in Menton you are surrounded by the french language and some of the administration does not speak english well, if at all. Most of my french use was with traveling and eating and shopping or going out, my french did not really improve in terms of conversation but being more comfortable at trying to speak and pronunciation did improve.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Small campus facilitated a lot of interaction between students
• Riviera setting in the foothills of the Alps is beautiful
• Variety of students and backgrounds, especially from the Middle East was helpful when learning about the Middle East

• Program was very vague before going to France, it was hard to know what to expect
• School is still young and suffers from the curse of French bureaucracy so administrative procedures are excessively frustrating
• Get exchange students on the Facebook page as soon as possible because that would have been extremely helpful

The Academic or Linguist