Mind opening and most amazing learning experience!!! Past Review

By (Painting - Technique Mixte, Sir Sandford Fleming) - abroad from 02/20/2012 to 04/27/2012 with

Atelier Neo Medici: Villeneuve sur Lot - Annual Painting Course & 2-month Intensive Painting Workshop

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt a lot about myself, living on my own in a new county, art and how I can incorporate the two.

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.

This was by far the most enjoyable and enlightening painting course I have ever participated in. Studying with Mr. Pelizzari brought back the love of painting for me. At the end of my prior University studies, I was disenchanted with painting. I am very grateful to have had this learning experience, which brings a historical technique to use in the 21st century. I feel that attending ateliers such as this one help to broaden individuals' perspectives, and help gain a deeper appreciation for the arts. Along side the guidance and education about the technique, Mr. Pelizzari has some great suggested reading material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Mr. Pelizzari was extremely helpful in organizing and arranging any issues, and was very accommodating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was spacious and had a well equipped kitchen.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was staying in Montflaquin, which is a very small town near to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. There are lots of great walking and hiking trails in the area. A car was necessary to be able to get to other areas outside the town. But the people were very helpful and kind.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not really have any health issues while there, but the pharmacist was helpful when I went to go find an advil alternative.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would definitely go back in a heartbeat.... Just as soon as I can make the time.

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)

It wasn't too bad, food is very reasonably priced at the grocery, and it's all amazing! Milk, bread, fruits and vegetables were less expensive or similar to here in Québec, even with the exchange at the time. A great place to look for fresh produce would be the local market.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I bought basic staples and used that to cook and prepare my own meals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • introduction to historical techniques
  • learning to see - that is all the small nuances that make something unique and being able to capture them in paint
  • being submerged in the history and culture of France
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing that I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that there was no public transport out of the town I was staying, but that was easily solved.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

The Technique Mixte a painting workshop

Course Department:
Instructor: Gregory Pelizzari
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was by far the most enjoyable and enlightening painting course I have ever participated in. Studying with Mr. Pelizzari brought back the love of painting for me. At the end of my prior University studies, I was disenchanted with painting. I am very grateful to have had this learning experience, which brings a historical technique to use in the 21st century. I feel that attending ateliers such as this one help to broaden individuals' perspectives, and help gain a deeper appreciation for the arts. Along side the guidance and education about the technique, Mr. Pelizzari has some great suggested reading material.
Credit Transfer Issues: