Pau: Where the Pyranees, Good Friends and a lot of Wine Meet Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of the Pacific) for

USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Understand French culture much better now and can't wait to come back.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great system for foreign students. Three language teachers as well as an elective and option teacher gave us a good mix. Liked being with other foreign students from around the world while still meeting locals. Workload was a bit easier, grading a bit harder. Overall I learned a lot and had a great time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always accessible and very friendly and helpful. Wish they would have organized more events with french students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The foods great in Pau.Especailly if you live with a host family. Leclerc has everything you need and it's pretty cheap if you're cooking for yourself. Nothing is open on sundays so plan accordingly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of our excursions were amazing and wonderfully planned by USAC.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Not a very unsafe city. Be smart, don't walk alone at night etc. France has great health care so take advantage while you're here.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and prioritize, it will be different for everyone but have a plan.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The town
  • My language classes
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for interaction with French students on campus