A Dream Come True Past Review
By catalina a (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
I gained a greater understanding and appreciation of the language and culture. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Ecole Suisse Dijon Ecole Suisse 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 courses were well planned and adapted easily to each student's individual level of French. The program definitely emphasized gaining a greater cultural understanding of France. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Syliv, in Dijon, was great! Jean, in Paris, was pretty awesome too. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Both of my host mothers were very accomodating and open to sharing their culture with me. |
| * Food: |
I've never ate so much and so well and not gain any weight! |
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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? |
I heard good things from the person who had to see a doctor. The pharmacies were very helpful with medications as well. |
| * Safety: |
Pretty safe overall. However, i did feel uneasy when the metro was crowded and everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I just didn't keep anything in my pockets. |
| 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? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Avg 150 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't forget the exchange rate while budgeting. Try to find a bank that has partner branches abroad so you don't lose money on ridiculous fees. Easier to use ATMs than tot bring US dollars to exchange. |
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? | Upper (400) level |
| 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? | Don't get caught up speaking in English. Force yourself to speak in French 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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I feel I was well prepared by our professor and study abroad coordinator |
