Pau: A Hidden Gem! Past Review
By bleu.vents (Marketing., University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 05/19/2013 to 06/28/2013 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
I learned the culture and language of the French, as well as my own abilities as an independent woman. I learned how much I can rely on myself and how much I love seeing our beautiful world! It was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was in the highest group for our program and it was definitely challenging both in class and with homework assignments, but it wasn't overwhelming and I felt like I learned a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Ryan and Robina are both extremely nice and are willing to help with any issues or problems you may encounter. They were the comfort zone for us, and I felt like they were always there for me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host family I could have asked for. They were kind and caring, and really did treat me like their own daughter. Once when I got sick, my host mom brought me dinner in bed and gave me medicine until I was healthy again. They also took me to do things with them on the weekends and invited me to have dinner with them whenever I wanted to. |
| * Food: |
French food is indescribably amazing! From baguettes, kabobs, and Nutella to foie gras and escargot, I tried SO many new things and there were only one or two that I wasn't absolutely in love with. France turned me into a foodie! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's all about the amount of effort you put into it. Interacting with the locals was difficult at first, but the only way to build your confidence is to practice. The festivals and things to do around town helped me engage with the culture and society of Pau. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had to deal with the health care system aside from the pharmacy, which was extremely easy to access and has cheap medications for every type of illness. |
| * Safety: |
Pau has sketchy parts just like any other city, but if you stay in groups and in well-lit areas, you will be fine. Don't put yourself into dangerous situations and you won't have a problem. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat with your host family if they allow you to and don't go out for every meal! There are grocery stores all around Pau that you can buy cheap food at, but restaurants are expensive and will add up quickly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The fact that many locals didn't speak English meant I had to constantly practice my French, especially when interacting with locals and my host family. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 316 |
| 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? | Don't be embarrassed and don't be afraid to ask questions - people appreciate when you're really trying to learn the language and are very willing to help you. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew it was going to rain the entire time (bring rain boots!!)! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
