Une expérience francaise Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Dijon and Paris - French Language and Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Aside from refining my language skills, I learned the culture; the experience was most definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: L'école Suisse
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not all of the students who went were on the same level, however the professors were very hospitable and catered to each students' individual needs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family in Paris did not have internet or wifi which became a bit inconvenient because internet was the main mode of communication between classmates since not all had a working phone.

* Food:

I was worried at first that being vegetarian would be difficult, however it was quite the opposite.

* 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)

* 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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of everything you spend, whether it be card or cash.

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? 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? intermediate (French 232 at SFA)
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? Try not to fall back on your native language as a crutch, force yourself to use the foreign language as often as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • Learning the culture
  • Meeting amazing people
  • Refining my language skills
* What could be improved?
  • None.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? None.