Pau: Experiencing the Real France Past Review

By (Speech Pathology, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/20/2012 with

USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I greatly improved my French, I made lifelong friends, I learned a lot about myself and had an amazingly fun time doing it. I would trade the experience for nothing... it was incredibly worthwhile!

Review Photos

USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo USAC: Pau - French Language and European Studies Photo

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?

* 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)

Things are more expensive in Europe in general, but Pau is small enough that it was fairly easy to live cheaply. And the subsidized meals at the university are great!

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the university dining hall and NOT Leclerc!

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

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 116
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? Meet French students via USAC's pot lucks and go out on Thursday evenings and meet other students at bars and clubs.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The city of Pau
  • The intensity of the French courses
  • The amazing USAC staff and support (both abroad and in Nevada)
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I feel like I went in fully prepared and I had an amazing time.