Une expérience francaise Past Review
By Elaine M (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
Aside from refining my language skills, I learned the culture; the experience was most definitely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | L'école Suisse |
| 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. |
Not all of the students who went were on the same level, however the professors were very hospitable and catered to each students' individual needs. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family in Paris did not have internet or wifi which became a bit inconvenient because internet was the main mode of communication between classmates since not all had a working phone. |
| * Food: |
I was worried at first that being vegetarian would be difficult, however it was quite the opposite. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of everything you spend, whether it be card or cash. |
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 |
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| 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? | intermediate (French 232 at SFA) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try not to fall back on your native language as a crutch, force yourself to use the foreign language as often as possible. |
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? |
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? | None. |
