109 reviews
3.86 / 5 based on 109 reviews
Useful |
0
Alistair C
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
It's the most independent and it's what I've always done
Read more >
Personal comments
The apartment was very small and because I didn't know the city, I didn't realise it was far out of town.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Alistair C
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
Read more >
Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
My interaction with the locals came through pool: The Red Lion on Rue Camy is not to be missed (note the British flag on the wall with my signature!)
Read more >
Useful |
0
Alistair C
Academic
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
A wider choice. I found myself having to study French lit and geography which was of precisely no interest to me.
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
0
Alistair C
Overall
I wish I had known...
That the course was going to be of little interest to me. Go early to find accommodation, it can make such a difference.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
They have a specific department for foreign students and are very helpful with settling in: if in doubt, ask Christine (if she's still there)
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
If driving, use Portsmouth-St.Malo. Societe Generale were very helpful and understanding about my lack of finance lingo. Establish a local and get to know the patron: Pau is small and everyone knows everyone and the patron can open lots of doors.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Alistair C
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Beer can be pricey in France!
Read more >
Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone, Travel, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Be very careful with your Carte Bleu: French banks come down on you like a ton of big bricks if you go overdrawn. Also, make friends with your local boulanger, a nice smile and the world is your free patisserie every day!
Read more >
Useful |
1
Alistair C
Languages
Language of instruction: French
Was learning French a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your French?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Having a go, even if you make mistakes, is appreciated. Nothing beats immersion in the language, the things I could say at the end of the year, you just wouldn't find in a text book (both clean and unclean!)
Read more >
en
Español
Français