The Experience In France August 14, 2023

By (France, Community College of Vermont) - abroad from 07/02/2023 to 07/22/2023 with

The Experiment: France: Cultural Discovery

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the differences in cultural norms between the United States and France. I would say it was worthwhile because it really shows how things can be so difference from one country to the next.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would like to explore other cultures if I had the opportunity to.

Finances

* 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)

They covered most of expenses (after we paid the tuiton). But some days they would give us money to buy food ourselves

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We didn't have any proper training to learn the language because it was not required. Unless you come in with prior knowledge of the language. Most you would learn is a few basic phrases that the host leaders can teach you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The excursions
  • The food
  • Having the ability to make friends
* What could be improved?
  • The hotels
  • Wish it was longer
  • More things to do
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the language honestly. The language-barrier between me and the locals in France kind of made me nervous to even go talk to anyone.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.