The Best of Tufts Past Review
By Rachael W (International Relations, Environmental Studies, Tufts University) for
Tufts European Center: Tufts in Talloires
This program solidified my academic interests, gave me a new perspective on environmentalism, fueled my love of the outdoors, and helped me to create lasting friendships. Talloires is a magical place and this is an incredibly well-run program. This program is one of the most memorable parts of my Tufts experience, and was an important part of my personal development as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Environmental Economics with Brian Roach was awesome, Globalization and Health with Professor Roach was ok. These are Tufts courses, so if you're a Tufts student, you know what to expect. They're just taught in a beautiful priory in France! One advantage--classes are usually smaller and professors are more relaxed, so don't be surprised if you end up having class on your professor's balcony, sipping wine and eating cheese! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The European Center Staff ROCKS. Gabby, Adam, and the Interns are awesome, and they just want to make sure you have a great time. And Bernard's mustache will make your life. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful host family, my roommate and I had separate huge rooms, they were extremely accommodating and really tried to make us a part of their lives. They gave us everything we needed and more--they would even try to get our favorite foods to put in our lunches! |
| * Food: |
The best food. I continued to be a vegetarian in Talloires, and my host family was so accommodating, making meatless versions of traditional foods. Be forewarned that many dishes have meat, though, and it would be extremely difficult for vegans--there is so much good cheese! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Hikes every Wednesday with Bernard, and most classes have at least one field trip. I went to Geneva and got to sit in on a session of the WHO! Make sure to sign up for the overnight hike--it was so much fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Annecy is a city, but overall it is very safe. I felt very safe and was healthy the entire program. |
| 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? | I spent more than I thought I would, and weekend trips can get expensive. I went to Paris with friends for a weekend, and it was quite expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 1 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
No French is required for the program, and there are classes for those who don't know it at all. I spoke French (badly) with my host family, and a lot of English with the other students. They try to place people who haven't had as much French with French speaking roommates, I think. |
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? | Do this program. Especially if you like the outdoors, Environmental studies, International relations, French, Arts, eating delicious cheese, hanging out with professors, and/or taking classes in a beautiful setting. This program will change your Tufts experience for the better. |
