Life in Pau: Truly a Dream Come True Past Review
By Kristen M (French, University of North Carolina - Charlotte) for
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
First of all, it improved my language capabilities tremendously. Secondly, it forced me out of my comfort zone and into a new world. This was uncomfortable and a little shocking at first, but I kept an open mind, a positive attitude and discussed my feelings with other students. It's important to remember that everyone is experiencing the same feelings! You are not alone. Studying in France enabled me to get through my more challenging U.S. university French courses and to graduate with a 3.2 GPA. I now work as an ESL teacher and my dream is to teach English in France, utilizing both my English and French language skills.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am an adult student and I was in serious need of good "refresher" courses in French. I felt I was placed in exactly the right level; my teachers were all outstanding, and I could not have asked for a better experience both academically and personally. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Truly I have no complaints about my experience with USAC. On the contrary, I felt that all my needs were met. I was comfortable, I enjoyed my living experience in the dorm, and I felt that my advisors, Ryan and Robina, were always accessible, friendly and understanding. The 4-day Paris tour at the beginning of the trip was definitely exhausting but so completely worth it. I would not have changed or traded it for anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really liked my little dorm room. I'm used to living alone, so this suited me perfectly. I always felt safe there, and the distance to the university was great; just across the road. I liked the fact that I had to walk a lot, as this is my preferred form of exercise. Once my French improved, calling a cab to get back and forth from the downtown area to the dorms was no problem. I think the only thing I would suggest in the future is that there be 2 sets of sheets for new students, or a definite suggestion for them to bring them from home. 1 set of sheets means you have to wash them a lot. :) But still, this was a very minor thing. |
| * Food: |
Loved Champion for nearby quick pickups and Leclerc for when I needed or wanted more of a selection. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I adored visiting La Cirque du Gavarnie--it was absolutely breathtaking. Hiking up to the waterfall was a challenge, but worth it! San Sebastian in the Spanish Basque Country was a truly momentous, unforgettable experience--I still have the card from the hotel we stayed at. Paris at the beginning of the trip was wonderful; intense and tiring, but wonderful! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used French in class even though it was hard to do so at first. Over time, I felt that my understanding and speaking abilities greatly improved, sometimes with little or no effort on my part, especially as time went on. I practiced speaking with my teachers, other French university students, other international students, and the outside community in which I lived. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* 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? | Don't complain!!! France is NOT the U.S., and it's very important to remember this! A few students complained about the fact that stores were closed on Sundays, or some other culturally relevant thing. In the U.S., we are never inconvenienced and if we are, we are sure to complain about it. In France, if you accept these cultural differences and the fact that you might be inconvenienced by them, you will enjoy your experience even more and appreciate what you DO have. |
