Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A unique, challenging, and incredibly rewarding semester. France: Language, Community & Social Change Past Review

By (Anthropology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/11/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent, my French improved a lot, and I became well-acquainted with French culture. The program fulfilled all of my expectations and I would do it again in a second.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We attended many hours of intensive language classes, more class time than I have during a normal Brandeis semester. The homework, however, was less and easier than what I am used to receiving at Brandeis.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director, Isabelle, and assistant director, Julia, were extremely kind, helpful, and accessible throughout the program. They were an important part of why my experience was so positive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was a perfect match for me and added so much to my experience.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to make French friends, but I did get to meet French people through host families and my Community Service Project. Furthermore, the course topics for the Social Change seminar were extremely relevant to modern-day French life and helped me to develop an understanding of the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Toulouse is overall a very safe city. Because everyone on my program lived in home stays spread out across the city, we often had to travel home alone after going out to bars or clubs, which could occasionally be unnerving. Overall, however, I felt safe.

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)

My home stay provided breakfast and dinner every day of the week, and all meals on weekends. During the weekdays, I was often able to find lunch options for between 5 and 10 euro. My only other personal expenses were related to doing things in the city, such as visiting museums, seeing movies, or going to bars.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approximately 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring your student ID everywhere you go, because it can often get you discounts at museums and movie theaters. Take advantage of meals at your home stay, and only eat out every so often. If you are going to travel, look into covoiturage and stay in hostels.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 110
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with your home stay families, try to do things on your own or with other international/French students (not only with the other Americans on the program).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The home stay component
  • The incredible directors
  • The fascinating and relevant lecture courses on French society
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to meet French students
  • Community Service Project was slightly disappointing
  • Village study was advertised as rural, but I ended up in a small suburban town
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The home stays for the village study were advertised as being rural, but the majority of students on the program ended up in cities or suburbs.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!