Ramblings and Rants, Having Fun in France Past Review
By Zachary W (Mathematics, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/21/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
API (Academic Programs International): Grenoble - Université des Alpes
It is very hard to describe the exactly what I gained from this experience. I can now speak enough French to talk with my family (many whom speak French). But more importantly, I have gained a whole new sense of self-confidence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My program was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was great, and the API and Host University administration work seamlessly together. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A few days after I returned back to America, I found myself missing my Host Family. |
| * Food: |
I was in France, the food was the best I have ever had. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The cultural, even for a Western culture, was very different from the US. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The Pharmacies have cheaper medicine. |
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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) |
France is expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save, save, save! |
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 |
It’s all I was studying. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | None. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Rosetta Stone. Other than that, try talking to as many locals as possible. Don’t worry about sounding like an idiot. |
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 budget better. |
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. |
