This was the best way to improve my French speaking and comprehension skills! Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., University of Southern Maine) - abroad from 07/01/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

Universite Sainte-Anne: Nova Scotia - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to listen and speak in French with ease. It was definitely worthwhile! I am better prepared this semester in my French classes. I don't think I would be at the level I am at today without this program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not receive healthcare during the program, but there is no "N/A" option.

* 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)

Extra food was needed, as the cafeteria was only open during specific hours of the day. Gas, food and other products were much more expensive there than in the US.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125

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

It was a complete French immersion program. I spoke French every hour of every day.

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? French Intermediate II
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? Enjoy and speak in the language you are there to learn! You can always speak English when you return home!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • French Immersion
  • L'atelier
  • Class time
* What could be improved?
  • Food quality
  • Organization of nightly events
  • More class time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought hand sanitizer and tissues, as well as more snack food for the evenings. I wish that I had brought more free reading, because there was a lot of down time in the evenings.