France : Reviews (Angers)

While abroad in Angers, France, my favorite part of the experience was getting to know my host family. Due to their help, I was able to have cultural experiences that would have been difficult to be a part of without a French 'guide' of sorts. They also served as a very helpful cultural reference point when I was confused about something, or experiencing culture shock.

My favorite part about this program was the city that I was placed in. Angers is truly the perfect city to study abroad in. It is not too big, but by no means small. There were always plenty of things to do and the city was incredibly walkable. The French people were so kind and welcoming. Angers is the best example of a university city.

I absolutely loved the excursions (which were a part of the KU tuition fees) because it gave me the opportunity to bond further with other students at CIDEF while also getting to see and experience magnificent destinations. Likewise, we were able to have comprehensive tours of the locations and truly put our French skills to practice.

I loved being able to see my French language skills improve over the course of the study abroad. When I first arrived, naturalistic French conversation was very taxing for me mentally. However, by the end of the program I was able to converse with relative ease. Since it was such gradual improvement, I didn't notice a change in my day-to-day life, but looking back on where I was in the beginning allowed me to see how much progress I really did make.

I found the September month intensive to be the most rewarding part of this program. The intensive French month was a great introduction to the French language and culture. I learned an extraordinary amount of things within this month, and it eased me into my study abroad experience. It was a quick run-down of systems in France and a refresher of French basics.

One thing that I wish I knew before leaving for the program, was to try not to replicate my American life while in France. Although it is important to carry over some of my habits, I was able to get more out of the program by living a more French style life. After all, it really is about experiencing another culture; not just living my American life abroad.

This program plunges you into French culture and the French language in the best way possible. My semester taught me so much in what seemed like no time at all. Angers is an incredible city that is warm and inviting. There was always much to do around town, and the seasonal events hosted by the city always made for a great time. The university had kind and considerate staff and teachers that connected with the students. The classrooms and courses were designed to suit your level and interests. There is truly no better way to learn French than through this program and through exploring the city of Angers. This program could not have been better, it was the perfect mix between educational and fun!

It is just as important to be focused in class as it is to go out of your comfort zone in Angers or other French areas. You cannot get the full experience without pushing yourself to have conversations with native speakers outside of the classroom.