Type of housing: Duplex in a private residence

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? My original intention was to live in an apartment with native French speakers. It's economical having roommates and beneficial to live with people who speak the language you are trying to master.

Personal comments:
The university's international office provided a basic level of assistance to students searching for housing but didn't really do too much for me. I was lucky to have found a duplex at the Moliere because housing is very difficult to find in Lyon. I loved the location - it was easy to get to campus and the downtown core by foot. The rooms were modern, clean and provided basic cooking equipment (microwave, fridge, hotplates). But the windows were not very well insulated and as electricity was not included in the rent, heating sometimes was a little pricey. I was lucky to have a fairly large room but my neighbours across the hall had a tiny room with a horrible layout.

Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community

Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
I enjoyed having people over at my place for some driking and snacks before heading out to the boats - there were a bunch of boats docked along the Rhone that operated like night clubs. I also really liked the Shisha bars, because they were relaxed and provided a great atmosphere to talk, drink, smoke and relax. But next year it won't be the same because the smoking ban comes into effect Jan. 1, 2008 so that will turn the Shisha bars into tea houses, which will be very sad.

Course recommendations:
Good luck. Courses in France lack structure and administration is a nightmare. But if you take it for what it is, it's fine. It's all a learning experience.

Personal comments:
Having course descriptions available to exchange students would be extremely helpful.

Language of instruction: French

Main source of funding:
Personal savings

Other sources of funding:
Family
Government assistance
grants from my home university

Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work

Personal spending habits:
I spent more everywhere largely because the Euro was worth somewhere around 1.5 Canadian dollars. But I probably spent the same amount on food because I found inexpensive grocery stores and snacked a lot less than I snack in Canada. Also, in Canada there are plenty of places to eat early in the morning after a night of drinking, but not in France - nothing is open past 2am. So I wasn't even able to waste money on food at those hours. Mobile phone plans are expensive, unless you get a year's contract, but I couldn't since I was only on exchange for a semester. And obviously I spent more on travel because I'd never been to Europe before so I took advantage. But transportation is very reasonably priced in Europe.

Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone, Housing: was more expensive than at home.

Food: was the same price as at home.

I wish I had known...
France isn't that warm. I should have brought more sweaters.

In my opinion:
Most people loved it.