Pau: A Hidden Gem Past Review
By Sarah M (International Business., University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
It was the best decision I've ever made. I made friends for life, learned a ton about myself, and experienced so much. This program has a ton to offer!
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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. |
The language classes don't require much outside work, but that varies from level to level. I had two teachers, one focused on grammar and writing, while in the other class we learned more through spoken classes. Each week someone gave a speech followed by a spirited debate in class. We |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Ryan and Robina are amazing at their jobs - they are so friendly and helpful and their office is always open. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing, I consider them my second family. I had my own room and bathroom. My host mother invited me to eat with them every night, it was a great time to practice French and be exposed to French food. |
| * Food: |
The food in France in general was amazing, My host mom's meals were absolutely incredible every night. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My host family and the classes at the university helped me feel really integrated. French students work in the classrooms and go on the international department field trips, so you are able to meet actual French students as opposed to being only around Americans. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The on-site staff are extremely helpful when it comes to medical problems, they'll take you to the doctor themselves day and night. The campus doctor was easy to deal with, but host family's also have the option of using their own doctor. USAC's insurance covers all medical expenses, but treatment isn't very expensive in the first place. Pharmacists are also fairly knowledgeable and helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Pau is a very safe city. Exercise common sense when you're out at night and you should have no problems. |
| 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) |
It is fairly easy to live cheaply in Pau. Food can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. Students get breakfast and 2 dinners free with their families a week, and many of the host families provide meal plans for their students. I paid my host mother 3.00 a meal, which is also what lunch at the university costs. A local bus pass costs 20 euros a month, but it is well worth it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maximum 30 euros. Eating dinner with my family was under 20, and for lunch I ate cheaply. Most money was spent on traveling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling in and out of by train Pau can be expensive. Invest in a Carte Jeune with the SNCF, it reduces train ticket prices by half or more. |
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 |
Classes through the University are taught with students from all over the world, and the only common language between them is French. Additionally, many of the French teachers speak only French. Most of the classes banned using other languages, requiring a student to bring candy or cake if they didn't. Also, the host families are fairly limited with their English, so you end up using French a lot. |
| 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? | French 212 |
| 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? | Practice, practice, practice! Get a language partner, meet French students, speak with your host family. Don't be so nervous about speaking that you avoid it, and don't be afraid of making mistakes. People understand that you're learning and are willing to let you try. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | At the end of the program it was really, really hard to leave. I consider Pau my French home, and cannot wait to go back. |
