Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Year in Lyon Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 05/31/2016 with

USAC France: Lyon - French Language, Art History, and Francophone Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worth while. I gained a new sense of independence and confidence in solo travelling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I highly enjoyed the courses I took. The Intensive Language Track challenged me on an everyday basis and I saw improvements in my French every week. The electives i took were also very interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host program administration was always there when i needed help with something or guidance. They were very friendly and aided in making my study abroad better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was sufficient for the time that I spent abroad. It served its purpose.

* Food:

The food is incredibly tasty, but can be pricey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a local French student while I was in Lyon. I made friends with some locals who showed me there favorite things in the city that I otherwise would not have noticed about or known about.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program advisors helped me find the medication I needed when I was sick.

* Safety:

There was never a moment when I didn't feel out of control or unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I fell in love with Lyon and wouldn't trade the experiences I had, people I met, and things I have done and seen for anything.

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? Order tap water at restaurants. If you have the time while traveling take buses.

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

At every opportunity possible we were encouraged to speak French.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 211
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? Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Do your best to hang out with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Location
  • On site Staff
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Would like to have more organized group activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How inexpensive traveling throughout Europe is. I would have adjusted my budget accordingly.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Travel Photography
Course Department:
Instructor: Valerie Berge
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This class was a blast. We would meet up in different locations throughout the city every Friday. We got lucky because we had different weather and lighting every time that we met so we got experience with a professional, knowledgeable photographer who was able to critique our photography techniques, I learned a lot in this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Culture and Civilization
Course Department:
Instructor: Erika Hess
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I had been interested in and studying the culture and civilization of France for a couple years before I took this class while abroad. Professor Hess taught a very engaging and interesting course. She has hands down been one of my favorite professors that I have had during my collegiate experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: