Past Review

By (Political Science And French, Tulane University) for

Lyon II et L'Institut des Etudes Politique: Lyon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
You can't really say, exactly. Everyone's experience is different, but mine was one that I will never forget and that I hope the program in Lyon will grow to provide an alternative to studying in France besides just Paris.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Lyon II et L'Institut des Etudes Politique
The term and year this program took place: Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The style of education differed widely, but I am glad to have received a thorough education all in French, with authentic French colleagues and professors. I also developed an interest in linguistics during my year abroad thanks to two courses I had taken.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Because of the strike during the Spring semester, many American exchange students encountered struggles that either their US schools had to deal with or, with my case, I individually had to tackle. Sadly most of the administration at Lyon II did not have sufficient answers, so I basically crossed my fingers and hoped for the best in regards to academic credit.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great area in the city, great facilities, nice people, great overall environment.

* Food:

French food. That is all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Much better than being with a host family. You have your own independence in another country. It takes time to find your friends/niche, but when you do, everything takes off from there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My international insurance company reimbursed me for everything, including a hospitalization.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75-90 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Flight costs, initial student fees, bike purchases.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

Direct immersion in a culture is the best way to effectively learn a language, which is what I did.

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

* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Finances Internationales

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Very difficult. Need to understand math and finances in French in order to grasp the lectures. Professor is very bright, but can sometimes lose his audience.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

L'histoire de l'Afrique pre-coloniale

Course Department:
Instructor: Christian Abolo
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Great course. Great subject. Great prof and students with a lot to say about the matter.
Credit Transfer Issues: