Annecy was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience! Past Review
By Morgan S (French And Spanish, Saint Ambrose University) - abroad from 04/06/2014 to 05/31/2014 with
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Annecy - Institut Français des Alpes
I was able to learn a different culture while living in it. I loved that I was in classes with other international students. I made friends all over the world and even got to experience a bit of their culture by hanging out with them. I gained a better sense of who I am because I had to tackle difficult situations while I was out of my comfort zone. I have a stronger sense of independence and a more enhanced view on global issues and the world in general. I wouldn't trade my experience abroad for anything. It was truly eye-opening.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved my time at IFALPES. The teachers were fantastic and always willing to help with any questions I had. I was a part of the Super Intensive Program, and though it was a lot of work I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was exactly what I needed! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host mom, Sylvie Sannier. I recommend her to any student who wants to study in Annecy. She made me feel comfortable in a foreign country, almost like I was at home! |
| * Food: |
My host mom made a ton of different food so that I could try it. I even got to try escargot! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were always opportunities to interact with locals. Annecy was the perfect size for studying a new culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I've been in other cities in Europe, and Annecy was by far one of the most secure. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | In France I had to buy my own lunches, which was about $7 a day if I wanted to eat healthily, totaling to almost $50 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I definitely suggest making a budget and sticking to it! |
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 program was completely language based and they encouraged us to speak French all day, every day. It was the best. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I was taking 300 level courses at my home university. |
| 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? | I think it's very important to get out and meet locals! Sit at cafes, go to the park. It's fun to sit and just listen to people, which helps your language acquisition. I also suggest that people choose home-stays while they're abroad. Talking to my host mom on a daily basis really helped me improve my French. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more about what was going on in the area before I went on this program. I would have been able to attend many more events. I also wish I had kept a stricter budget. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
