A Perfect Summer in the South of France Past Review
By Christine L (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Harvard University) for
Bryn Mawr: Avignon - Institut d'études Françaises d'Avignon
It was extremely worthwhile. I have wanted to study in France since middle school, and I was finally able to realize my dream with a program that helped me progress tremendously over a relatively short period of time.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought the workload was very reasonable, and the grading as well. The professors' objectives seemed to be to get us to engage with the material without too much stress on the evaluation component. Discussion was emphasized, which helped me a lot with my speaking and listening and generally improved my French. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is one of the oldest of its kind, and I found it extremely well-run with a lot of room for student input. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was a vegetarian and the Foyer accommodated this. However, meals tended to be hit or miss in terms of providing protein-rich foods. Overall, though, meals were quite satisfactory. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Avignon Theater Festival!!! Weekend outings to famous regional attractions (Marseilles, lavender fields, the Mediterranean, an outdoor opera, Roman ruins, etc.) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Avignon is a relatively safe city, especially during the summer when the theater festival is going on and people are always in the streets. The only type of crime that might pose a worry is pickpocketing. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Going out with friends is expensive! Also, the high cost of tickets for plays was something I hadn't expected. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4th year French |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
We weren't allowed to speak English at all. We ended up sometimes speaking English with fellow students outside of class, but for the most part everyone tried their best not to. With professors and staff, everything was all in French. |
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? | Anyone who is passionate about French language and culture and who want to make rapid improvement should look no further than this program! |
