This program truly shaped my concept of global citizenship Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the courses to be challenging, yet refreshing because they had such a strong experiential component, integrating the French culture and surrounding environment to create a multi-dimensional academic experience.

On-site administration of your program

Amazing- the staff is incredibly attentive and I was amazed at how organized the entire program was.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with another Tufts student in Menthon, a town bordering Talloires. My host family became my second family, as we enjoyed 2-hour family dinners every night and discussed politics, media, politics, food, and politics (I was very impressed by my 10 year-old host brother, who inquired about my stance on Iraq minutes after meeting him). I think the host families are one of the most special aspects of Tufts in Talloires. While students are not required to know French to attend, as someone who wanted to improve my French skills and experience the French way of living, my goals were certainly met. It was also really special to host my host brother when he visited the states, and see the cultural exchange come to fruition. <br /><br /> I loved my location, which was closer to the Priory than Annecy (where most of the nightlife is). Many students liked being near the city, but I enjoyed being able to walk to class every day along the mountains, and my half hour walks were a great chance to reflect and appreciate a way of living very different than what I was used to (I have never lived anywhere where I could get around solely by foot).

Tartiflette. Scallopped potatoes, camembert cheese, and ham. Try it- it will rock your world.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Life outside the classroom is whatever you make of it. Many students chose to hang out in the American bar in Annecy (The Munich) which was a scene I was not as into. I ended up spending a lot of time with my host family and I felt like I was able to take advantage of opportunities I would not have back in the states (such as spending every night with other Americans). Though, not every student wanted to spend time with their host siblings, and the fact that the program accommodated to so many typed of students was great.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This is probably the safest region I have encountered in my life. Obviously Annecy is still a city and you need to be careful (i.e. wearing an America t-shirt with a fanny pack of valuables is not smart) but I did not hear of any safety issues from the other students.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Living with a host family was the best exposure to the French language I have ever experienced. It was simultaneously the greatest challenge of the program as well as the greatest reward by the end, when my french improved dramatically and I found myself thinking and dreaming in French (my rule is, if you start dreaming in the language, something's going very right). I also enjoyed interacting with the locals in Talloires on a daily basis, which let me practice my cafe/post-office/drugstore vocabulary (the village is like a living textbook).

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans