Pau, France: Unprepared but Fantastic Past Review
By Danielle K (Political Science/International Studies, University of South Dakota) for
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour: Pau - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
France is culturally very similar to the United States. There is no culture shock. Still my cultural awareness was heightened by being able to discover the different history, goals, and political culture of the country. I also was able to learn the social problems that France and the United States share and those that are different as well as how France attempts to combat these social problems. It was a great experience that solidified my career goals.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My teacher was wonderful and the immersion was great but I'm not sure how helpful the actual coursework was in developing my language skills. It would have been nice to focus more on conversational skills or verb conjugations. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was told while I was in Pau that my grading and the transfer of my credits had already been taken care of between the university of Pau and my home university only to arrive home and realize that they had not been. I have still not received credit for my studies in Pau. However the experience was great and the teachers were fantastic. All of the staff at the program site was very helpful and patient. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host family in the world. They were so incredibly warm, kind, and hilarious. They made every day fun. I was so lucky that my family was so helpful! They took me on family vacations, they cooked wonderful food for me, and they never demanded anything of me at all. I also had the awesome opportunity to live with a family who had a daughter about my age and we got along great. I cannot rave enough about my fantastic family. The program administrator was also amazing. My family was on vacation when I arrived and so he was kind enough to let me stay with his family for a few nights. They were so unbelievably inviting and kind and did everything they could to make me feel at home. He also made it a point to introduce me to other students and introduce me to the city. I had the best housing situation you could hope for. |
| * Food: |
My host "father" is literally the best cook in the world. I did not eat until I traveled to France and am still in mourning that I have not eaten that well since. I gained ten pounds but loved every minute of it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt left out because I was the only American student (out of at least 40) that was not a part of a larger program. This program organized trips and tours and all kinds of fun stuff. I hated that I missed out on that opportunity. It also made class a bit awkward as everyone else had already become friends when I got to the university, where I knew no one. However I was blessed with my host family who took me with them everywhere, and a program administrator who also was very inviting and amazingly kind to me. Pau is also a fantastic city. There is so much to see and so much to do! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I learned quite a bit more french from my host family and friends that I made than I did in class. Most people spoke English but were willing and patient with my french. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would encourage students to have taken two years of French before going to Pau. If you have a more solid foundation for your language you will be able to learn so much more than if you go after one year, as I did. I would also encourage students to give themselves time to travel after or before classes are done. I cannot stress this enough!!! I regret so much that I did not travel more. Also you want to have more expendable income to make this travel more possible. This program would be wonderful for anyone!! It is a beautiful city with wonderful people and a great program. I had the best conversations about everything from pop culture to international politics with people I met just by walking around the city. Do not be intimidated! Most people speak English and are very friendly! |
