The experience of a life time Past Review
By Lindsey P (Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/13/2013 to 05/27/2013 with
University of Northern Iowa: Paris & Rennes - UNI Capstone in France
The biggest thing I learned was how to appreciate a culture other than my own. I realized how much I appreciate where I come from. I want to travel to so many more places now that I have seen Paris. I kind of have the travelers bug! It was a great opportunity to explore the world and definitely worth my time!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
The language barrier was difficult, but that was expected |
| * Food: |
The food was just different. There were some strange things that I've never had before...but it was good to go out of my comfort zone and try new things! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Definitely felt like a tourist because it's impossible to act like someone you're not naturally in 2 weeks |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Did not have any health issues |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe being out during the day and with a group. Rennes and Paris are huge cities so it is important to always be aware of where you're at. The metro's in Paris are very crowded and you really need to make sure you have all your stuff secured to you and your eyes on it so that you don't get pickpocketed. The language barrier makes it a little more difficult to feel safe, just because you don't know what people are saying and if you were in trouble you have to find someone who speaks English. There are many people who speak at least some English. Just be aware of your surroundings and never wander off alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
It was expensive, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I think more of our meals should be paid for because we are paying so much to go over there. Honestly, transportation does not cost hundreds of dollars for each person. I know the bus and train are a little pricey, but metro tickets are like 1 euro each. I just feel like we paid a lot of money and don't know where it all went. Even the attractions weren't terribly expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 easily |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Not really...You have to spend money on food, that's not really an option. If you go to Paris, don't go overboard on souvenirs. I honestly didn't see anything that I really felt I needed to have. I saved brochures from places that I visited more than anything. It is a smart idea to put aside like $50.00 each month for a few months just so you have some extra money in case you need it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were taught the basics, but they knew that we didn't know French so we weren't expected to speak it regularly |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I hadn't taken any french, only four years of spanish |
| 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? | Take a class on the language before visiting the country, even if it's only French I for example. My host family and I also began to keep a French-English dictionary at the dinner table with us so when we were communicating and came across a word we didn't know, we could look it up. |
Other Program Information
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* 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? |
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? | I know that culture shock really does exist. You can act like the language barrier won't be a problem since you'll be with 20 other Americans, but it really does make things more difficult. It's also kind of embarrassing to not know the language of where you're at. If you want to go there so bad I think it's respectful to understand at least the bare minimum of the language. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
