Falling for France Past Review
By A student (French Language and Literature., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 06/27/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
ISEP Exchange: Montpellier - Exchange Program at Université Paul Valéry (Montpellier III)
Yes, my language skills have improved greatly and I can not wait to return
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. |
I thought it was very intense. I was shocked at the differences between the level of teaching received at the different levels in Paul Valery. I was slightly annoyed that in level 5 (my level), we had a great deal of homework, and it was much more grammar intensive. But in level 4, they had much more enjoyable classes and were taught more culturally interesting things. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director at Paul Valery seemed very kind, but some of the employees working at the program were not very helpful or put-together. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the home stay! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I had been able to spend more time focusing on cultural integration then homework. |
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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
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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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | well breakfast and 2 dinners were included a week. i spend ~150/200 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | well i would recommend buying more groceries and making meals at home. However, I was so busy there that I did not spend much time at home to do that and if you want to eat anything in Montpellier other than a sandwich it was around 7 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 |
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| 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? | 300 |
| 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? | Really spend time with your host family and talk to merchants. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Not to stress the research program as much, I wish I had worried less and chosen a subject that I would have enjoyed more. |
