Pau, France: The Time of My Life Past Review
By Marie E (Elementary Education, University of Idaho) for
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
My study abroad program was very worthwhile. I am now aware of how another country lives and what they value in their life, which is different than what we value, in the US. I gained a positive knowledge about a group of people that have a negative light in the US. They were very nice and helpful with me. My French language made huge leaps and bounds and I feel very confident that the next time I go over, it won't be as scary. I have made plans to revisit Europe every 3-4 years. I love the memories that I gained and want to make more and other cities.
Review Photos
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 small and very individualized. It was hard for me to adjust, but I was never verbally pushed or criticized. The professors were patient and understanding. When I finally felt comfortable speaking, I was encouraged and rarely corrected just to keep me talking. The atmosphere was very comfortable and I enjoyed my academics at Pau. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
A big strength that I enjoyed was the group activities we partook in as a program. We went on three trips together and a few outings in Pau together. I like how they try to make you feel apart of something when you are so far away from home. They are also there to talk, if you need it, and help out in any way they can. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in another country with another family was an adjustment. I enjoyed the family interaction and food I was introduced to. For the most part, the family was nice and tried to be helpful. They did have a habit of saying things that made me feel ashamed of my French language and for awhile I would stop interaction with them. I don't think they meant anything by what they said, but it still was discouraging. I also didn't agree with some of the rules, our room was only allowed to be so warm, which I was cold, but the heating is more expensive in Europe. Overall, I would live with a host family again, because the pros of living with one was more than the negatives. I was only one block away from the University, which was nice, but 2 miles from downtown. I usually took the bus, but on nice days I walked. The bus system only runs till 11, so if you wanted to go out at night, it was either walk home or take an expensive taxi. I opted to walk with friends. My furniture at the house was already there. I did buy a few pieces of cookware so I could cook things I was used to. They had cookware there, but not what I needed. |
* Food: |
I LOVED the food in France. I found my favorite restaurants and chocolate places as I learned the city. I was never hungry at my house or when I went out. I found lots of good restaurants in downtown around the Pau castle and train station. The people were all friendly and enjoyed seeing students trying to learn their language. They were helpful when we were stuck and enjoyed helping us. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In February, I took a train to Rome with two others. I loved Rome and had a blast. I liked how I could travel very easily by train or plane and there was enough people who spoke English in these cities that I was able to enjoy my trip and have great pictures and memories. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I felt very safe in my city. Even when I visited Barcelona, Rome and Paris, I never felt endanger, but was constantly reminded about pick-pocketers. I registered with the US embassy on line and they would alert me when new dangers arose in Europe. Thankfully none were in the area I was. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Language acquisition improvement? |
I felt that from the time I arrived to France, to the time I left, I had made leaps and bounds in my language. I could carry on a conversation with my tutor and I was able to navigate the Paris subway system to the airport, I was lost. I also was able to help my family, US, when they came over, communicate with waitors, family and vendors while they visited. |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say that to make your experience the best it can be, plan ahead. I knew I wanted to do a study abroad 4 years before I went on it. I wanted to make sure I had more than enough money to have fun and buy/go wherever I wanted. I don't believe you need this much time, I wanted to go once I finished my studies in my major, but planning a year ahead will make sure you have the finances to make the trip a time of your life. |