Past Review
By Lindsay W (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Barnard College) for
Vanderbilt University: Aix-en-Provence - Vanderbilt Center
My goal in studying abroad was to improve and gain a greater understanding of the French language; I definitely met my goals and had fun while I was abroad.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Personally, my previous knowledge of French had been two years of study at college. I would recommend having experience in the language from high school; it was difficult at first to keep up with the coursework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the same building as the VIF center, with 3 other American students and 1 French student. It was very convenient to live right over the place where all my classes were held, and the neighborhood we lived in was very nice. <br /><br /> I shared a room with another American student; living right about the VIF center was definitely convenient. Living in apartments fostered a sense of living independently that living with a host family would not have given me. |
| * Food: |
The food cooked for us each night was great! We were definitely overfed! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would advise saving up a lot of money before you study abroad- travel and going out are better enjoyed when one doesn't have to worry about the expense involved. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My French language skills improved exponentially as a result of my study abroad experience. We lived with French students with whom we spoke French, as well as attending dinner 4 nights a week with a French family. We were only supposed to speak in French in the VIF center. |
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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