A wonderful learning experience that was very enjoyable and interactive! Past Review

By (Fine Arts, Studio Arts, Lee University) - abroad from 02/29/2016 to 04/28/2015 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 learned about being patient through the process.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great to have all the long hours to pour over the creation of just a couple paintings. Gregory was an amazing instructor!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was harder to interact with the culture without speaking the language, but still manageable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the village where the studio was.

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

I learned so much that my whole approach to painting is changed now.

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)

Depending on whether you are frugal or not, it is very manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know how you spend money and plan accordingly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

My professor abroad encouraged and helped teach us more of the language.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None for French
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? Repeat what you hear so that you can remember it later and use it.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The instructor
  • The instruction
  • The friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Me knowing the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? French

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!