Spend your academic year abroad
Part of my university course involved spending an academic year at a French university. I would advise anyone who is preparing to do this to make the most of information and archives that their year-abroad coordinators will have, including contact details of former students who spent their year abroad at the same university you are going to. Getting in touch and hooking up for a drink with others who know the town will give you a wonderful insight into the place you're going to, you might get lots of invaluable tips for banks, estate agents, bars, cinemas, restaurants etc. If you're lucky like I was, you'll meet someone who is happy to have someone who will listen to all their stories and reminiscing. Their enthusiasm will soon rub off on you.
Sent by: Nathalie
My University degree also involves spending an academic year abroad in France. Though I'm very excited at the sound of this prospect, I'm quite anxious too - I've never actually been abroad before and therefore I am continually questioning whether I'll cope there. Of course it will be a life changing experience and I'll be immersing myself into a different culture and will improve my proficiency in the language, but will it all be worth it if I can't cope and i'm thus miserable during my stay. I'd love to be fluent in French, but I could perhaps do that without staying there. I already speak several languages.
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