Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Canada: Not What I Expected...In a good way Past Review

By (Theatre, Stephen F. Austin State University) for

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Explore Canada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely felt my experience was worthwhile. I have now decided that I want to get my master's in French. Going on this trip helped me realize that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was manageable. Grading system was normal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were met. The professors were very well prepared and I felt comfortable with them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In Montreal I disliked the hotel, not because of the hotel itself, but because of the area it was located in. It was in an uncomfortable part of town. It was also really cold and I wish I would have had several other blankets. The staff was nice for the most part though.

* Food:

Canada is a great place for vegetarians. There are many options from strictly vegetarian restaurants to many vegetarian options on mostly any menu. I loved the food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going out with the French students was really memorable. Having a beaver tail. Walking downtown in Montreal and exploring both cities was my favorite part.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Montreal did not feel very safe. Ottawa was much better.

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 about $250 on food and gifts. I also had to buy a few shirts which I found pretty cheap.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wasn't sure of the climate when we left. I packed a lot of very cold weather clothes and there were a few days when the temperature got in the 60's. It seemed like I needed a jacket for every extreme the entire time there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 430
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Talk in the language with as many local people as you can. Talk all of the time! People will speak to you if you talk with them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The interaction with native speakers of French.
* What could be improved?
  • Splitting the tours so that French students can have the tour of the museum in French and English speakers can have the tour in English
  • More time in Montreal for French students!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring clothes for every type of weather situation. Rainy. Hot. Extremely cold. Chilly. And make sure you bring extra money because things are expensive in Canada. If you want to try and skirt by, then buy your food from a grocery store because eating out is expensive.