Vanderbilt in France- uninspiring and disappointing Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Barnard College) for

Vanderbilt University: Aix-en-Provence - Vanderbilt Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was as I met some great people. But except for that it was Null.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

Lived with one American and one French girl.

* Food:

This was great. The best part of the semester!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was disappointing, as it seemed the Vanderbilt students were only interested in drinking and not so much in cultural enrichment.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? ?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? France is expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intensive grammar and writing
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you would like to learn French and immerse yourself in the culture, don't do this program!