Canada: European Living with Southern Hospitality Past Review
By John J (French Language and Literature., Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Explore Canada
I learned a lot more about America's number one trading partner, and about a country of incredible people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought the workload was good and adequate with the program. I enjoyed the different teaching methods especially the hands on learning. I really enjoyed the visits to the other universities and seeing their different college cultures. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought there were many strengths with the program. I had a good background of the country and government from the classes I was taking. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The first place we stayed was in a very shady part of Montreal and I wasn't too thrilled about it, though it was a nice place location was weird. Yet, it was a quick walk to all of the main places in the city. Ottawa's accommodations were perfect and I really enjoyed the hotel as well as it's atmosphere. |
| * Food: |
Everything I ate was delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved everything about the country and people. I wish I had more time to experience it all. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was like being in the US. It was super safe. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Things are a lot more expensive in Canada, I wasn't prepared for that. You should plan better and bring more money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 level |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
It was difficult for me to understand the accent at the beginning of the trip, but it got better throughout. I wish I could have stayed longer as well as visited a smaller town or city in the french speaking area to really experience the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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