26 reviews
3.45 / 5 based on 26 reviews

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ellenelene
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Other
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
The cost of food, telephone calls and travel were higher than at home and the Australian dollar was not very strong against the European currencies.
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Food, Telephone, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Nightlife, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items

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ellenelene
Languages
Language of instruction: French
Was learning French a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my French
How much did you improve your French?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I didn't realise before I left home that French Creole would be as widely used as it was. Apart from on the university campus, this was the main language, and it was therefore more difficult for me to communicate locally. I don't feel as though my French improved very much, although my understanding of the local dialect did! However, my trips to mainland France have been very beneficial.
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ellenelene
Overall
I wish I had known...
That French was not the language of the majority.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Being a student at this university was sometimes difficult and frustrating. Nevertheless, I am very glad that I went. It was a really worthwhile experience, and I had the added pleasure of seeing a volcano in all its glory.
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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
Take comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. There are many wonderful trails to follow. Try to arrive when other students are on campus to direct you to shops etc...otherwise you'll spend hours trying to find amenities on your own, as my friend and I did.
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ellenelene
Academic
Course recommendations
Be flexible in your choice...courses are sometimes cancelled at the last minute.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
It was often difficult to access the main library in the city because class hours clashed with it's opening times. Since I was an anthropology student, I found this to be very inconvenient. More thought could be given to this aspect when teachers plan the curriculum.
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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

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ellenelene
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
I didn't go out much at night. It wasn't safe for European women to travel on buses after dark. I occasionally went to the Irish pub with a mixed group, which was fun.
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ellenelene
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Living in a large block with other students made it more difficult to become involved with the community.
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Personal comments
Security was not really adequate, and local men sometimes forced their way into girls' rooms. Food often disappeared from the refrigerator and hotplates seldom worked to full capacity. Each room, although fairly small, was equipped with a shower and toilet and was really quite comfortable.
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