A Tasteful Adventure Past Review

By (Utah Valley University) - abroad from 05/25/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

Utah Valley University: Traveling - French

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A more in depth knowledge of the french language and culture. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of help with coursework, though it was not too terribly difficult. The intensity was exactly what I had hoped for.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great. We had a magnificent French madame cook for us and clean for us and speak with us every day. She was very friendly and accommodating. I think it would have been better only if there were more people living with us.

* Food:

French food was incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was a part of the city and I would love to go back anytime.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were given international health insurance, although it was not really needed.

* Safety:

The program was very safe for me.

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)

It was difficult to live on a student's budget primarily due to the conversion rate and the sheer amount of incredible things available.

* 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? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a lot if you want nicer things.

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

Very frequently, our program required us to use the language everyday.

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 2010
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? Converse with others in the language as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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 french cuisine
  • Exposure to the culture
  • friendly people met at the school
* What could be improved?
  • more punctual
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? France and neighboring areas are expensive