An educational and life enhancing experience Past Review
By Chris L (French Language, Literature, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/19/2015 to 06/14/2015 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Dijon and Paris - French Language and Culture Program
A deeper understanding of a different culture and a more nuanced understanding of my target language. Totally worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The information presented was generally helpful, but most of the time the language aspect was simply a review of more basic material already covered in prior classes. I thoroughly enjoyed the history. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
While everyone was very nice and helpful, at times the program did not seem very well organized |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host families were very welcoming. |
| * Food: |
The food was fantastic |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Paris, like any large city, has some safety concerns but nothing that good vigilance and advance preparation can't handle. |
| 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) |
There was little difficulty for me living on a limited budget. Due to souvenirs and optional outings, I spent more than I would have if simply trying to provide for basic needs. That being said, my total expenses were less than $500 for the entire trip. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | between $75 - $100 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid the clubs and bars, they are ridiculously expensive. A much more cost effective alternative is to prepare a picnic and perhaps have a glass of your favorite beverage under the Eiffel Tower. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French Conversation |
| 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? | Listen to radio, and watch TV and movies in your target language. Also, writing letters to people is very valuable practice. |
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? | I wish I had fully appreciated that there would be very limited communications between members of the group which made meeting up for evenings and weekends a challenge. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
