A life changing experience Past Review
By Claudia O (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 04/27/2012 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
I learned a lot about myself and the potential i posses to live on my own in a foreign country. It was worth while and would repeat this experience any day.
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. |
I liked the academic program it was a well rounded program that focused on the students needs, It also provided students with ways to enhance their speaking skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
THe program administrators were helpful and a great support for students in regards to any concern. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved my host family they were kind and helped me understand life in France. |
| * Food: |
Loved all foods and also my host dad was a chef so it made my experience even more incredible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Could have participated in more programs that would allow me to mingle with local students and people from the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No issues |
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe in Pau everyone was respectful. |
| 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) |
All basics covered but cost of living was a little expensive but i managed well. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | get a summer job and save half of each pay check it really helps. |
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 |
Always encouraging to speak the language |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate 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? | Listen to music and try to imitate accents and pronunciation |
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? | Do not over pack and talk to your bank before leaving abroad |
