Past Review

By Carly O (English major, Communications minor, Abroad101 University) for

Tufts European Center: Tufts in Talloires

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was definitely worthwhile. I loved the readings I was given in my classes, I loved the atmosphere, the people, the food (soooooooooooooooo indescribably delicious), the language. I loved everything about it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month
The term and year this program took place:	Summer 2005

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was a wonderful academic experience. I took 2 classes for the summer. Both of them were taught in English, but the professors made great use of our location to enhance the academics. While I definitely learned a lot, the pace was relaxed, and the professors allowed us time we needed to explore Talloires outside of class. It was really an incredible time.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Tufts in Talloires administration was SO helpful. They're always available if you have questions, they're very invested in making sure that students are happy and adjusting well. If you have special conditions (a disability, a food allergy, a medical condition), they will make adjustments and adaptations to make the experience a smooth and safe one.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in a house with a host family and one American roommate. My roommate and I each had our own room. I LOVED my room. I got very lucky because I had an incredible view, I was very close to the bus stop that I needed to use for class, and I was close to an outdoor hangout spot. It was paradise!!! Plus, my host family, while quirky, was very nice.
* Food:	I'm a vegetarian. Sometimes, this makes eating in other countries difficult, but there was PLENTY for me to eat in France. Crepes, cheeses, fruits and veggies, fondue, creme brule. I mean, do I really need to explain why French food is the most amazing food on the planet?
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We went on hikes, checked out restaurants, went to Paris for a weekend.....it was amazing.
* Safety:	I can't comment on health because I had no experience with health problems while I was there. I would assume that a program that was as concerned with their students as this one was would adequately handle health issues. I felt entirely safe the entire time. Standard safety precautions are always a good idea (don't walk off late at night alone, don't be alone with strangers, don't leave valuables unattended in a public venue, etc.), but if you use common sense, Talloires is a safe neighborhood.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Language

Language acquisition improvement?	My classes were in English, and I'd never spoken French before I went to the program. Tufts offered a crash-course in French prior to departure, but I wasn't able to go to the sessions. Still, just by talking with my host family and other native Talloires-ians (in a horribly butchered mixture of French and English), I picked up quite a few phrases and was able to have a conversation...so what if it was at the level of a 2nd-grader? There are opportunities to take language classes while there if you choose to, but I didn't, so that's why the rating is the way it is.