Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Lifetime Experience in France Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/21/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Paris & Rennes - UNI Capstone in France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much more knowledge about another country from this experience. Being able to stay with a host family and involving myself in another culture was very fascinating. I even learned a little French along the way. Overall, I feel that this trip was very worthwhile for me. I had never been abroad before and I now hope to go somewhere else abroad again someday.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in France Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in France Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Capstone in France Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much while abroad. Being able to experience their culture and different customs has helped me understand the differences many people have in the world today. I am also more understanding and patient with those who speak a different language than myself now.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When we arrived in France everything was very organized and arranged for us. Each day we had something exciting to do, whether it was a tour or lecture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The first week we stayed in host families and it was a very different atmosphere than what we were use to. Our families did not speak any English and I did not speak any French. The language barrier was an issue but I learned how to communicate using hand gestures and facial expressions. We also stayed in a youth hostel while in Paris, which was as nice as a hostel could get.

* Food:

The food in France is different than the food in America. They do not eat a lot of hamburger over there and enjoy eating sausage and poultry. The desserts and pastries are delicious though!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Overall, I feel that the local culture was understanding with us when it came to speaking very little French and they were also very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We did not have any health issues during this program

* Safety:

There were many times when we had to travel alone to meet with our group but during the day I feel that we were in some what safe neighborhoods. At night we did not travel alone and made sure we had some one with us at all times.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

We had to pay for our transportation(metro or bus) each day and also our lunches while in Renne. Once in Paris we were then provided with breakfast and dinner through the youth hostel.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible, stay in a hostel that provides one to two meals per day. This saved us a lot time and money when it came to expenses.

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

Knowing the French language was not a requirement for this course.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I did not know any French
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? Practice the language prior to leaving and buy a dictionary that you can use to help translate unknown words.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • I enjoyed learning about all of the history behind the old buildings and cities.
  • I enjoyed traveling to other places around the given location. Traveling to an island was my favorite two days of the trip.
  • I also enjoyed being able to live in a different country for two weeks. Things are very different and I would not have ever known it.
* What could be improved?
  • Being required to take a French course prior to leaving the United States.
  • The amount of time spent in one specific location.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more French. Not being able to communicate properly was very hard to get use to.