Vive la France Past Review
By Ethan F (English/French, 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
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective on French culture and lifestyle. By the end of the trip, I was acclimated to the French way of life and had a little culture shock in returning to the United States.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Excellent professors |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Fantastic administration |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
First host family was a bit cold. |
| * Food: |
I mean, it's France. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Almost felt French. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Excellently. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe trip, no one was even pick-pocketed. |
| 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) |
France is an expensive country. |
| * 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? | $175 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Roll your own cigarettes. |
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. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Senior level courses |
| 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? | Speak it all the time, even with the other English speaking students. |
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? | Lots of French slang. |
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