Study Abroad in Pau: How 4 months changed my life for the better. Past Review
By Kyle T (French Language and Literature., University of the Pacific) for
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
YES. This experience has truly helped me grow as a person and grow in my language skills. I now know what I want to do with my life and where I want to do it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Having all my classes in French helped me have a better understanding of not only the language, but the culture. My grammar class even spent a few weeks studying the slang of France so that we, as foreigners, could better understand our French peers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were completely met with the Program once the initial culture shock and arrival shock wore off. The staff were very knowledgeable and approachable, and having a French student as an intern helped bridge some of the gap between us and other French students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I became a part of my family and they treated me like it. I am so very happy to have had this experience. My house was in perfect proximity to many amenities (bank, cafe, tabac, bakery, butcher, fresh fruit, doctor, pharmacy, and bus stop directly to the University). |
| * Food: |
The food was wonderful, and there was plenty of it. Being with a host family meant that I could make my own food if I wanted, but they did most all of the cooking. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program was stellar in organizing excursions. We saw and did so much that we wouldn't have been able to do on our own. My favorite trips were to San Sebastian and to the Gargas caves. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't walk about at night, especially if you live in one of the suburbs of Pau. Other than that, everything was very well-lit and accessible. The health-care system in France was amazing - I found it very useful when I got sick. Everything was incredibly cheap and accessible to all. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 - 80 Euros. I would withdraw appx 80 Euros per week to spend on food and personal expenses. I would have to save up a bit sometimes when I would need to pay my host family for meals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you can beforehand. The cost of program fees while there (OFII certification) was a very surprising cost (55 Euros for a stamp). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who likes smaller cities and close-knit groups. Must want to actively learn French and not just cop out to English when it gets hard. |
