Cannes France, Study Abroad Program Past Review
By Robin T (International Relations and Affairs., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
AIFS: Cannes - Campus International de Cannes
It was absolutely worthwhile and I learned about myself and people in general. You will be proud of yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone, and I plan on returning. You will learn what pushes your buttons, how you act around new people, how well you travel with other personalities, and how well you and others react to stress.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading methods are completely different, but keep an open mind. My teachers were very patient with me and I did very well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sandrine and Aude were the best program administrators. They met my family and friend who came to visit, took us out to dinner, accompanied us on all of the excursions and helped us with ANY problem we encountered. If I couldn't get something done, I knew I could go see Sandrine and ask for help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is fair, across the street from the beach in a safe area. The cafe across the street is convenient and the school is next to a bus stop. <br /><br /> American students made up the majority of the dorm, so it didn't really help my French. The rooms can be pretty small and crammed, so don't expect much privacy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions are all worthwhile, although a little long in some places. Travel on your own as much as you can, too. Make sure to take in as much of the Film Festival as you can! It's amazing and you will get to participate in an internship if you like. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no healthcare issues, but my friends who did say they were taken care of. |
| 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? | The exchange rate was not in my favor, so about $70 a week on food. Souvenirs and travel adds up, too. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Check with your bank about debit and ATM charges and switch to the least expensive account. ALWAYS carry an emergency credit card because you never know when/where you might get stuck, like we did in Barcelona, for a few days. |
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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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Don't speak English too often! It will hurt your experience and cut your study time! Conversation partners are offered in the program, as well as going into town will give you plenty of practice. |
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? | Pack wisely!!!!!!!!!!!! Most likely you will end up sending stuff home or buying another bag anyway, but send things home with those that come to visit you. Send postcards as souvenirs, and layer layer layer. |
