Study Abroad : You get out what you put in Past Review
By Victoria H (French Language and Literature., Illinois State University) for
L'Universite Catholique de l'Ouest / Catholic University of the West: Angers - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
TOTALLY worthwhile. It was something that completely changed my life, made me a more confident and well-rounded person and made me a much more independent woman who is not afraid to do what I want!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was acceptable. |
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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? |
The location of my house was 20 minutes by bus from the school which was quite a problem because I had to leave half an hour early to get to class and I wasn't able to go out at night. |
| * Food: |
The food at home was amazing, while the university food was okay but it was nicer to go out on town and try to find a cheap sandwich. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved all the field trips through the school and going downtown Angers at night to hang out with friends and meet locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My tooth broke and I was able to get to a dentist the same day and it only cost 40 euro to get it taken care of. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 400euro/week if I had to calculate it out, but that also includes all the traveling I did. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling expenses. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with teachers, locals and my host family. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep your mind open and experience everything you can - do not hold back! |
