Study abroad at Université François Rabelais de Tours Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very light which made it easy for the study abroad students to have more time to discover the area. The grading system was fair but stressful. Our final grade came down to one test at the end of the year and we were in the dark on the material that was on the test which forced us to study everything, however that was fine. However, there were no previous tests in the class to get a feel of what the professor's test format was, which I suppose is a luxury of living in American schooling systems. Teaching methods we're different as well, the teacher spoke for 2 hours a week and we took notes on what he was saying. It got a little frustrating when the language barrier got in the way because a good section my notes would be lost and there was no text book to refer to in order to catch the material we covered that I may have missed. The work load and the grading systems were much different from the American educational system. There was significantly less homework and the little that there was was never turned in. No tests, homework, or participation grade was given, only one grade at the end of the semester where you were given your final exam. If the exam is failed, the students can go to "ratrappage", which is an extra month and a half semester where students can study for the tests they failed and try to take it again for a passing grade.

On-site administration of your program

It was great! they were helpful when I needed information and organized a lot of fun trips on weekends for exchange and ERASMUS students. Advising for classes could have been a little better.. for instance I never would have taken Chemistry had I known about the structure of the science programs out there.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Fédération Unis des Auberges de Jeunesse... or a youth hostel. It was both a hostel and a university residence. The building was located in the center of the old part of town so historical monuments were everywhere! My main building of my classes was a 10 minute walk away and Place Plumereau, the evening hot spot for students and younger people, was a 2 minute walk. <br /><br /> I lived for the duration of school with a bunch of other exhange students. It was great because it was a giant melting pot and I was able to see a lot of different cultures in one place. A lot of us had classes together too so we saw each other outside of the dorm as well. So many languages were spoken but the one we all had in common was French! I was around people with about the same skill level as me so we spoke with and corrected each other. After school was out I moved in with a friend I had met for 2 months. They were local residents of the town and spoke little English. It was fantastic the bonds I formed with them! I made my best friends out there in my living quarters.

The food was good but expensive. Kebabs are financially the best thing to eat! It gives a large quantity and is cost efficient. During the day, the best way to have a someone local meal is the dining hall. Its 2,90€ per meal and offers a different selection every day! I treated myself to a normal sit down meal once a month. I wish I could have eaten at more restaurants but it was just too expensive.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social environment was perfect! The town was a total college town and there was a central place where all the students went to socialize during the evening! Everyone was very kind and accepting and open to talking. It was a place where you could go and you could guarantee you would see someone you knew!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were never a problem for me.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Give information on how to get a host family.

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• Apartment
• Dorm
• Hostel

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

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• International Students