Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

French, food, faces and places! Past Review

By (Health Sciences General, Cottey College) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 04/20/2018 with

USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the French culture and language while at the same time analyzing the cultures I came from. I learned a lot about myself personally as well.

Review Photos

USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies at University of Pau Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies at University of Pau Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies at University of Pau Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies at University of Pau Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies at University of Pau Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The program did not discuss situations were somebody's safety would be at risk but I would recommend learning more about the culture in the area and to always tell a trusted person where you are at all times.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy in bulk but when it comes to fresh produce buy enough for one week or two weeks maximum at a time. After about a week or two students will have a general idea of how much they will spend per week so that they can create a weekly budget for food and other expenses.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? French 101
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch and listen to videos of native speakers. Mimic their accents and the common phrases they use.

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?
  • The classes
  • The people I met
  • The places I got to see
* What could be improved?
  • The discussions about safety
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to better navigate and learn the bus routes.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Gender & Society

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Ryanne Pilgeram
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was very knowledgeable in this subject area and the students were assessed through weekly papers, exams and a project final. I participated in class more than I would have in my home institution. The readings assigned were very informative but they were also very dense and long.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Travel Journalism
Course Department: Writing
Instructor: Russell Meeuf
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was very knowledgeable in his field and the class encouraged students to explore their surroundings in order to create stories about them. The class can be a bit challenging to students who do not have access to technology such as a reliable computer, camera or phone.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues.