Grenoble: from a small unfamiliar town to home. Past Review
By Sabrina N (Political Science and Government., Illinois State University) for
Université Grenoble Alpes: Grenoble - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Going on this trip solidified the notion that I would minor in French. However, the classes were so far from challenging that I didn't learn anything formally in the classroom. However, I learned so unbelievably much outside the classroom
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I do not think I got a lot out of this program the last two weeks on account of my professor. My first prof really seemed to care about teaching and challenged us appropriately even if it wasn't what she planned. If we found something was too easy, she moved on. She also used time well, and taught us valuable information. Something which my second professor failed to do. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They seemed very organized and were always helpful. However, the building really could use some fixing up. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was the most safe out of everyone I knew, however, it was far from class and downtown. It was impossible to meet my friends after dark without walking at least a half hour at some point, or taking a 20 euro cab. |
| * Food: |
There's a little Italian restaurant across from Sant-Claire's tram stop that is so unbelievably delicious. I highly recommend it, but it does not open until 7pm. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved all of the excursions that we went on. Being in the mountains of Chartreuse was awesome, the bridge of Avignon was really cool,and above all, the Cote d'Azur is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I had pink eye here, but my host mom is a doctor and prescribed me the medication.It worked like magic in less than 2 days. It was incredible. My city was not safe at all. Many a times our group of girls were warned about going out at night and watching our things. There were a few times where our judgement was challenged, but no safety incidents. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | We were not informed of exactly how expensive Paris is,and our program integrated 10 days there. It's important to have an accurate projected cost and I definitely went over it during the whole program. |
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? | 115.12 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I studied french in France. Yes I was required to speak french everyday to my host family and the people around me. A lot of people spoke at least some English but by the end of my stay, it was guaranteed to know more french than they did English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
