Beau Pau Past Review
By Katie E (French Language Teacher Education., Mount Union College) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/30/2014 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
I learned how to communicate with people from all different cultures, not just France. I learned that I am capable of doing things that I never thought I would be able to do. I feel more independent and have a more global outlook on life after studying abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was in class many more hours a day than I was used to at an American university, but this was really helpful to me. The language classes are pretty intense and there is pretty much no English in the classes because you are mixed with all international students. There are not really many tests and very little homework, you just need to show up. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Ryan, Robina, Pauline, and Magali from the USAC program are so helpful with any problems or questions that might come up. Could not have asked for a better staff! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was put with a wonderful host mom who went above and beyond what she needed to do for me. She would drive me to school sometimes so I didn't have to take the bus and would provide me with dinner every night even though she was only supposed to do it two nights a week. The only disadvantage was that my host mom's house was kind of far from campus and downtown and the bus only ran until 8pm there so I could not stay out late. But I highly recommend living with a host family over living in an apartment. You learn so much more about the language and culture plus you get delicious real French food! |
| * Food: |
Everything tastes better in France. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was somewhat difficult to meet French students unless you really went out of your way to do so. I mostly hung out with the American students in my program and other international students from my classes. I really felt like I got to know the town though and which restaurants/bars were the best to go to and where to shop. Pau is also small enough though that when you go downtown, you almost always see other people from your program or school which is really fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experience with health care, but I know that the medicine is pretty cheap. |
| * Safety: |
I did not have any real situations where I felt my safety was at risk. There are definitely some parts of town that I wouldn't be by myself at night, but just use your common sense. |
| 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) |
I only spent money on bus passes, travel, food/pastries and any gifts. My situation was unique though in that my host family provided me with all my meals rather than just two nights a week, so I did not have to spend money on food and groceries. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's fun to eat out sometimes and experience French cuisine, but try to limit yourself. Also, alcohol is very expensive at the bars. |
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 |
All of our classes were in French and even when we went on excursions our program directors would talk to us in English and French. |
| 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? | FRN 301 |
| 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? | Make sure you go over basic vocabulary and phrases you would need to do simple things like ordering food or buying at train ticket. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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 would have known that I would regret not traveling through Europe when I was there as much as I did. Even though it may have seemed expensive, It would cost even more for me now to go back from America and visit all the places I want to. I would suggest to travel on the weekends as much as you can! |
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.' |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Perspectives of Contemporary France |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Aguy Bousterre |
| Instruction Language: | French |
| Comments: | I highly recommend this class. The professor is so nice, laid back and I learned so much and more that I could want to learn about French culture. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
