Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Caen August 07, 2026

By (French Studies, University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 06/29/2026 to 07/10/2026 with

Caen University: Caen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! Learned a lot of cultural differences but also appreciated and surprised by how much people are the same no matter where they are from

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

very hot during the summer ISEP direct program in Caen not as academically challenging as expected but grateful for many excursions/ cultural experiences provided

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very nice but didn't love teaching methods

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

very hot in summer w/ no AC -- probably would have been better if the weather wasn't so gruesome

* Food:

great food in Caen -- ate out at restaurants mostly, can get pricy but worth the social and cultural experiences

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

most other students spoke English but I was able to communicate with the locals in French

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have stomach issues in the beginning and medical center worked w/ me to get prescription from pharmacy that ended up helping a lot

* Safety:

never felt unsafe even when was walking around town with only one other girl... I never stayed out past midnight tho

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would not go in the summer again because the heat with no AC was a big challenge for me... next time I'd try fall semester

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)

I was able to do it! Made me a little pinched for pennies going into next year of school at USI

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save up beforehand create flexible weekly budget so have general idea (decide souvenir budget & consider how may need little grocery items)

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

all classes in French

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? practice conversational & situational French that you may implement during time with locals practice using circumlocution when forget specific words

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • engaging classes
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be to ask fellow classmates for help with anything... you're all in the same boat and almost everyone you meet in the program is friendly!

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!