Tsunami! France: Language, Community, & Social Change Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Austin College) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/12/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to speak french in conversation and in class. I learned to relate to other people from different cultures than my own. I grew an understanding for all immigrants that move to a part of the world where they must use a new language.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations Photo SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations Photo SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations Photo SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? I spent near 50-100 euros a week, depending on shopping and lunch expense, but you also receive money for lunch that's already been included in your program.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find the menus that come with a drink and a dessert for between 5-7 euro. There are also student menus (for discounts) everywhere during lunch.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? The 4th semester of French grammar and one class of french literature.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just dive in! There's no other way to make you use your foreign vocabulary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Homestay Mom
  • Community Service Project
  • Cultural Ambiance
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between directors and students
  • Director support for sick students
  • Directors acting professional, we understood A LOT more than they thought
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew to work through the frustration of the first few weeks, and that translating and using this language would get easier the more effort I put in. I felt like I was holding onto english a bit when I as overwhelmed rather than embracing it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.