Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Summer Spent in Pau! Past Review

By (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 05/23/2010 to 07/28/2010 with

USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was amazing! I had such a wonderful time and made lots of friends. I would recommend studying abroad to everyone! It was absolutely life changing and improved my French language skills immensely.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teachers provided a great learning experience and my French language improved immensely.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Pau was extremely welcoming and helpful. They always looked after our well being.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were conveniently located close to grocery stores and campus. Downtown Pau was only a 25 minute walk, or 10 minute bus ride away.

* Food:

The food was amazing! The baguettes, butter and cheese were delicious! They do eat a lot of duck in France!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the culture as not many Palois spoke French.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe in Pau, no concerns.

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

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? Try not to eat out a lot, that will save you a lot of money!

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

I felt like I was encouraged to use the language every day.

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? 300 level
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Staff
  • Location
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to pack so many items.

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 Urbanite
A 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.