Past Review

By (French/International Relations, Clark University) for

Centre International d'Etudes Francaises (CIDEF): Dijon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I love to travel and no matter what I think it is worthwhile. You gain independance and an understanding of different cultures.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Burgundy
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+
The term and year this program took place: Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For someone who was already close to fluent it was too language focused. I had hoped for more opportunities to take regular university classes in French.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was not enough communication between host country and home university

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family and other international students. I was right in the city center and really enjoyed the opportunity to use my French.

* Food:

She was an amazing cook and was senstitive to the needs of my Muslim roomate

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The CIEF organized trips were great as were my own trips. One of the best parts of Europe is the ability to easily travel.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

When I needed a doctor my university helped me find one. France's healthcare system is very open to foreigners. Dijon is a very safe place. When traveling it is important to take precautions.

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

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Just being in a country for a year my French became fluent. I spoke french everyday most of the day

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

  • Apartment
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • International Students
  • Other
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to work on language skills it is great. The classes can be boring for a year though.