Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in France: A Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review

By (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/02/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was amazing. My language skills improved drastically, wonderful friendships were made, and I got to experience and learn about a new culture.

Review Photos

USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were taught much differently than in the United States. There were small classes for a minimum of 2 hours a day in which all you did was practice French. It was very rewarding and helped to improve the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They administration was very kind and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family and my experience was wonderful. I had my own space, but then was free to roam the other living spaces when ever I wanted to. My family was very kind and provided me with a lot. Living with a host family was the best decision I made. The only negative was I was a 20 minute bus ride from school.

* Food:

French food is amazing. The bread is no doubt the best. Being open to try new things is a must, but much of the time it is not a let down. It is good to know that much of the food is organic or comes from areas right around the town.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After a couple of days once you get the hang of speaking the language some, it is quite easy to become integrated into the culture. You can walk around, shop, and do things like the Pau people do themselves. The people in Pau are very nice and want to help you speak french a lot of the time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pau is very safe. It is small and lit up with people all around, so you feel very safe. Some advice is to try to avoid walking home by yourself late at night, if you have to most likely you will face no problems as long as you keep to yourself and not talk to strangers.

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)

France is expensive especially when it comes to food. The best part was that the university had dining services for 3.20 euros a meal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend all you money the first week on shopping and trying everything new around. You need to start saving the very first day you are there to make sure you do not over spend in the end.

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

All classes, besides the optional one, were taught in 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 200
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 television in French with subtitles. Then you can practice your comprehension skills, which are key.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • I met amazing new people with such interesting backgrounds and stories.
  • I got to share and live the culture of a french family
  • School was not as hard as compared to my studies in the US.
* What could be improved?
  • There could be more excursions or maybe more interesting excursions.
  • There could be better ways to meet local students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have saved up a little bit more money, and not have spent so much the very first week I was in Paris.

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.