Funnest learning experience of a lifetime. Past Review
By Annelise W (French Language and Literature., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 06/30/2012 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Dijon and Paris - French Language and Culture Program
Definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about the culture and language such as the slang used, that I would have never gotten in any class room.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Suisse Ecole Dijon, Suisse Ecole Paris |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The last two days in Paris I would have either loved more lessons, or more free time instead of constant word games. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Both of my families were perfect. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
No complaints |
| * Food: |
absolutely amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Dijon was more culturally stimulating because more French was forced in the community than in Paris where more citizens spoke English to us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like there was any danger to me or my friends. |
| 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) |
If I would have just bought food, I think I could have only spent 75 per week for full meals at lunch and food all day Saturday. |
| * 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? | 125 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Exchange and budget BEFORE you go, don't wait. You may think that you have time, but you don't. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
All the time, which was perfect. |
| 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? | Speak as much/as often as you can before and during the trip. The only way to get better is to practice and be corrected by fellow friends and teachers. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much time was actually free for us to use. |
