Amazing Study Abroad that improved language skills Past Review
By Dayna Boord (Washington State University) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 04/25/2019 with
USAC France: Pau - French Language and European Studies
Language skills, friends, cultural competency, global awareness
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. |
The classes were challenging yet adapted to each individual classes pace. The long blocks of classes were sometimes long to sit through, luckily our classes were interesting and professors offered a break inbetween. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the program and it's staff they were helpful and knowledgeable |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in an apartment home stay. I wish I had stayed in a house home stay because I could hear the baby next door crying every morning and night but I am thankful for how much french I learned in my homestay |
| * Food: |
There was a lot of great food options in the town and with the school meals |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish there were more opportunities or events to meet french students |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health problems |
| * Safety: |
There were armed people walking around in the city late at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
USAC was inexpensive, had great staff, and I loved the city I stayed in |
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 70 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat a baguette with jam pr chocolatine for meals its cheap and delicious |
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 |
We were only allowed to speak french in classes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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 204 |
| 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, make french friends, live in a homestay |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You do not need to pack that many things, perhaps make a capsule wardrobe and leave space to bring back delicious oils or purchases from the market |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
