I love France and wish that it was longer. Past Review
By A student (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/03/2012 to 06/30/2012 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Dijon and Paris - French Language and Culture Program
I learned the french and also a little of European culture. It was very worth the money.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I give the five star to Mrs. Sylvie, Thomas, and the rest of the native french professor. Not to our own. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of the program was superb. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I miss my host family tons, and their hospitality will not be forgotten. |
| * Food: |
LOVE FRENCH FOOD! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
People were very nice as long as one try to speak their language. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
They explained the health care system, but I didn't recieve any actual health care since I didn't visit any doctors. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer in France than I did in U.S |
| 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) |
Food wasn't that expensive, but other fun stuff was. Such as candies and other nonsense. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Yes, save as much as you possibly can so you get to spend on other fun activities without worrying on running low on cash. If you know that you're having a trip next semester, put about a third of your check into the trip each month. |
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 |
My host family doesn't speak english, and I got lost multiple times, so it wasn't an option. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 232 |
| 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? | Read as much as you can, watch movies, listen to music, etc. But the only way to really learn the language and speak it fluently is to emerge yourself in the culture. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That french bread can break jaws. |
