A full French immersion you must experience! Past Review
By Jeanine C (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Tufts University) for
Tufts European Center: Tufts in Talloires
Yes. I learned so much about myself and French culture. Being out of my comfort zone and losing my "voice", so to speak, made me find creative ways to communicate. I gained much confidence in my ability to adapt to new situations and navigate foreign places, and confidence in myself as a traveler and explorer - of places and of ideas. It was a place that embodied a feeling of freedom, growing from the green horizons, and the expansive mountain crests. You must experience it for yourself!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2005 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were difficult, but the professors were great and it was nice to have related field trips in the country. |
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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? |
Host family with an american roommate and two french host parents in their upper 60s. They were very sweet and active and took us on hikes etc. My roommate and I became great friends from the experience. <br /><br /> I lived a bit farther from the campus (annecy le vieux), but it was nice to have the three areas and be a bit removed, though it did make going out more challenging. |
| * Food: |
Packed lunches were not the best, but they were simple and okay. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were great hikes and trips planned throughout the program. Unfortunately, it rained for our overnight hike, but that would definitely be one of the highlights. There were also lectures and other activities like a "Kids Day" hosting local children. |
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I didn't need to spend too much, it depends on your personal preference. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | N/A |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was speaking in full conversations by the end of the 6 weeks simply due to the immersion, I took no language course, only a dictionary and a curious approach! I practiced with my roomate, my host family, and new french friends I made who worked in the hotels nearby. |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take it slow- appreciate the little things, don't get discouraged by challenges, those are the moments you will learn the most from and remember. Be open to new people and experiences, and let things inspire and surprise you. Whether taking a paddle boat onto the lake, investigating the new flavors at the Gelato stands, or admiring the swans and colourful bobbing boats under the bridges, soak in all the details, then bring them back to share with friends-- they will be jealous, guaranteed! |
