A relaxing, exciting time in the Alps good food, and good people. Past Review
By Jimmy G (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/23/2012 with
Université Grenoble Alpes - CUEF - University Center for French Studies
I learned more about myself, the world around me, how I fit in to it, and gained a vast amount of knowledge on French language and culture.
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. |
My French language teacher, Mme. Morell, was absolutely phenomenal. I'd started out at a fairly solid B1+ student and she definitely helped refine my French to a solid B2. Tough, but fair, and genuinely cared about students' progress. Supplementary humanity classes were mostly interesting with good professors, although content lacked at times. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administrator is amazingly knowledgeable of the region, always helpful, tries his hardest to integrate everyone in the culture, and is all around just a really friendly guy. Patrick is almost as great as his cat, Sylvie. Meow. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing. Kind, involved me a lot, amazing cooks, gave me privacy while making me feel part of the family. |
* Food: |
My host mother's cooking was hands down some of the best I've ever had. The program director also involves students in weekly culinary endeavors, which is great. Lastly, you're in France. Of course the food is good. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The school and program director make it very easy to get involved. Join a club that does not directly relate to your American program and a door of opportunities will open! I was able to join a jazz band with the music school and it really got me involved. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had any problems. |
* Safety: |
Never felt unsafe. Director does a great job of saying which areas to avoid and as always, be prudent when traveling somewhere unknown! |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The program provides it so you don't NEED to spend much of your own money to be honest...it's just hard to budget whenever you want to do everything possible!! :) |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Book travel plans in advanced. |
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 |
Was mostly immersed in the language except when with fellow Americans. Make an effort to make foreign friends! |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | B1 French |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Put yourself out there and do things in the community NOT with students from the same country as you. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Spend as much time with your host family and friends as possible. You'll miss them immensely. |