Grenoble -- Living in the south of France! Past Review
By Hillary D (Trinity University) - abroad from 06/18/2013 to 07/25/2013 with
API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes
I learned to make sure that you do everything you can to make the most of your experience. Don't be scared and stay home, go out and explore, do things that you would normally be too shy to do.
Review Photos
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 learned so much french within my time in France that it was surprising I had only been there for a month and a half. My teacher Thierry was great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was lovely |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I love my host mom, she was always so kind and she threw a birthday party for me! |
| * Food: |
I loved all of the food of France! So much bread and everyone picnics! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All you had to do was explore the city and eventually you begin to know some of the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any issues |
| * Safety: |
The city was pretty safe, just don't be stupid and walk alone at night. |
| 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) |
I did pretty well at budgeting. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go crazy during les Soldes. Most of the things are really cheaply made. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My host mom didn't know English at all and my teacher never spoke anything but French. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginning 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Meet foreign exchange students (someone who doesn't know english) and make friends with them, then you will have to speak in french. Also make friends with the local bartenders. Bauhaus is the best bar. |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To not worry, that you will have the best time. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
