La vie francaise est vachement cool! Past Review
By Nadeen B (French & Journalism, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 04/26/2013 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
The biggest change that I have noticed is my focus and goals for the future. I am now more ambitious to finish my bachelor’s degree, pursue a higher degree, travel the world, join organizations and be a part of something. Studying abroad showed me all the opportunities the world can offer. More importantly, it showed me how I can take advantage of those opportunities use them to my full potential.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had some issues adjusting to the professors and their different styles of teaching. I was expecting to go into a typical american college class but it was very different and took some getting used. As far as material and lesson plans, I enjoyed it for the most part. Sometimes I did not like the way the professors taught or treated the students, but nothing unmanageable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the administration. Ryan is just an amazing guy who is very nice and helpful. Robina is a very smart women and I always enjoyed talked to her. Pauling was very sweet and helpful to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I could not have asked for a better host family. They provided me with plenty of private space as well as a nice room. They were exactly what I asked for and could not have been better. |
| * Food: |
I was living in France. The food is amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone was very nice. There is only one time I recall having a bad experience with a French person and it is not because they were French. I found that the Golden Rule was the best way to handle all situations. People were always warm and welcoming as long as I was too. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no issues with my health while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
Pau was a small town so I felt very safe. I never had any issues walking home alone or being out late at night. |
| 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) |
Living on a students budget is never really easy, but I was able to survive and get by comfortably. If I had more money, I would have traveled more, but I was never hungry. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-40 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can never save too much. If there is something you really want, that is reasonable, you should get it. Souvenirs have been the best thing for me now that I am back. |
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 |
We were always encouraged to speak French and the program administration in France created endless opportunities for us to practice our French |
| 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? | 4th semester 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? | Watch movies/ tv shows in French. I had friends who read their favorite books in French. If there are ever any opportunities to practice or speak with someone, take it. A friend and I made a rule that anything we could say to each other in perfect French we would. Eventually, more and more of our conversations were French. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to practice. First, most of the people around you do not speak perfectly, everyone is there to learn. Second, most locals will appreciate that are you making an effort to lean the language. Be confident and impress people with what you know! |
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? | I wish I would have been more aware about the weather. It was the biggest/worst shock for me to deal with. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
