Once-in-a-lifetime August 13, 2026
By A student (French Language, Literature, University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 05/15/2026 with
ISEP Exchange: Caen - Exchange Program at Université de Caen
I learned and lived a completely different lifestyle. My mind was opened to many different new concepts and ways of life. I also met so many people who taught me about parts of the world I had never visited or even thought about. My experience was definitely worthwhile. I would encourage everyone to go abroad if possible.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Caen is the perfect place to improve your French. The locals do not speak English at all, so you are forced to practice and grow in your language skills. The faculty at UniCaen were amazing and supportive. They tried to get to know you as a student and were open-minded to each students' cultures and backgrounds. You are immersed in French culture but you are also encouraged to learn about the cultures of your international classmates as well, which is a plus! |
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) |
The stipend that was provided didn't cover all living expenses, but the extra cost needed wasn't too much. They lowered the cost of the dining hall meals right as I left so for future students it won't be as bad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 10 euros |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I was required to speak French, not only in principle but in the necessity of communicating with professors/other students. |
| 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? | A2/B1 (300 level) |
| 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? | If going to Caen, you will absolutely be forced to use the language to communicate. Which is a good thing! |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take more pictures! |
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! |
